Public Safety
Four charged in downtown L.A. graffiti spree; LADWP employee among defendants
Los Angeles County prosecutors charged four men with felony vandalism over an alleged yearlong graffiti spree that authorities say caused more than $170,000 in damage.
The charges cover alleged incidents from August 2025 through August 2026 at 12 locations in and around downtown Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Times reported that the sites included commercial and historic buildings, Pershing Square and a location near Wilshire Boulevard and La Brea Avenue.
Prosecutors allege the group used climbing equipment to reach high surfaces and drones to record the vandalism for social media. Authorities also said city-owned rappelling gear appeared in material posted online.
Defendants: Javier Rezendez Rocha, Michael Ray Gonzales, Francisco Rodriguez Aguilar and Richard Evan Ward II
Charges: Rocha, 12 felony vandalism counts; Gonzales, seven; Aguilar and Ward, two each
Estimated damage: More than $170,000
Alleged period: August 2025 through August 2026
City employee named in the case
Rocha has worked for the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power since 2018, according to prosecutors. The Times reported that it was not immediately clear whether the defendants had attorneys.
The charges are allegations. Each defendant is presumed innocent unless proved guilty in court.
Official announcement: Los Angeles Police Department — October 15, 2026 →
Original local reporting: Los Angeles Times — October 15, 2026 →