Four arrested in $170k Los Angeles graffiti spree
- Four suspects were arrested for a yearlong graffiti spree causing over $170,000 in damage.
- The crew used drones and climbing equipment to tag tall buildings.
- Suspects allegedly profited by selling merchandise featuring their graffiti.
- One suspect is an electrical craft helper at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.
- The defendants face multiple felony counts of vandalism and potential jail time.
The Los Angeles Police Department announced on Thursday that a four-person crew was arrested for a yearlong graffiti spree across the city. The vandalism caused over $170,000 in documented damage to tall and historic buildings.
The spree resulted in an estimated $172,930 in repair costs, though some reports documented the damage at approximately $200,000. This enforcement action addresses the destruction of property that has impacted the quality of life in the community.
Defendants face multiple felony counts of vandalism
Javier Rezendez Rocha faces 12 felony counts of vandalism. Michael Ray Gonzales faces seven felony counts of vandalism.
Francisco Rodriguez Aguilar and Richard Evan Ward II each face two felony counts of vandalism. All charges involve defacement with graffiti totaling $400 or more.
If convicted as charged, Rocha faces up to 10 years and four months in county jail. Gonzales faces up to seven years in jail. Rodriguez Aguilar and Ward each face up to three years and eight months in jail.
Crew used drones and climbing gear to tag buildings
The crew used ladders, specialized climbing equipment, and ropes to scale buildings that were otherwise impossible to reach. They also used drones to record their graffiti crimes.
The suspects shared the drone footage on social media and attempted to profit from the vandalism by selling merchandise associated with their graffiti. Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell described the crew as "sophisticated" in their use of technology and social media.
Investigation targeted 12 locations over one year
The vandalism spree occurred between August 2025 and August 2026. Investigators connected the suspects to 12 locations, including 11 buildings in and around downtown Los Angeles and one site in the mid-Wilshire area.
The investigation involved months of surveillance, search warrants, digital evidence, and social media analysis. Authorities believe these 12 locations do not represent the full extent of the damage caused by the group.
District Attorney Hochman and Chief McDonnell condemn vandalism
Hochman stated, "You will be arrested, you will be prosecuted and you will be punished to the full extent of the law". Hochman also said, "As charged in the criminal complaint, these defendants turned buildings across Los Angeles into their personal billboards, leaving property owners with over $170,000 in repair costs".
Regarding the suspects' methods, Hochman said, "He was the type of person that understood how to use these various ropes and whatnot to scale down buildings to go ahead and allow this crew to engage in this type of tagging".
Hochman added, "This was not harmless graffiti, and these are not victimless crimes as they destroy the quality of life in our community," and "To anyone thinking about vandalizing property, Los Angeles County is not yours to deface".
Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell stated, "Let this serve as a clear message: If you deface our city, we will investigate you, identify you and hold you accountable".
Historic buildings impacted by graffiti spree
Some of the buildings damaged during the spree were historically significant, adding a cultural cost to the financial damage. Blair Besten, executive director of the Historic Core Business Improvement District, stated that the community is relieved by the enforcement action.
Court dates scheduled for defendants
The case was filed on October 8, 2026. Defendants who have been arraigned were released on their own recognizance.
Richard Evan Ward II pleaded not guilty on October 12, and his preliminary hearing setting is scheduled for November 19 in Department 38 of the Foltz Criminal Justice Center.
Francisco Rodriguez Aguilar is set to be arraigned on October 19 in Department 30 of the Foltz Criminal Justice Center. Javier Rezendez Rocha is scheduled to be arraigned on October 23 in the same department. Michael Ray Gonzales will be arraigned at a later date.
LADWP employee among those arrested
Javier Rezendez Rocha is an electrical craft helper at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power who has worked there since 2018. While some reports identified him as a current employee, the Beverly Press reported he is a former employee.
Rocha's base annual salary ranged from $75,335 to $102,249. Prosecutors allege Rocha used his specialized utility gear and climbing ropes to help the crew scale buildings.
Charges separate from Oceanwide Plaza investigation
While the suspects have historical ties to vandalism at Oceanwide Plaza, law enforcement clarified that the current felony charges are separate from that ongoing investigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
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