Hurricane Teen Arrested for Graffiti in Multiple Locations
On March 19, a Hurricane juvenile was arrested for the graffiti vandalism of 14 different locations around town. At this point, investigators are unsure if the specific tag used by the teen is gang related.
Leave No Stone Unturned… or Untagged
According to a report from KSL News, on Wednesday, March 11, the walls of 14 different locations—including residences, businesses, a school, church, park and city bridge—were vandalized with black spray paint. A little over a week later, a 15-year-old male was arrested in connection with the graffiti vandalism; however, the Hurricane City Police Department says an investigation is still ongoing.
One aspect of the investigation is looking into the specific graffiti tag the teenager used, “CTG.” According to a statement from Hurricane Police, “Officers have found that the letters stand for ‘Crown to Gods,’ but are still working to determine … if this is just juveniles making this up or trying to start a gang.”
Along these lines, the Hurricane City Police Department has asked anyone with more information on the tag to contact them at (435) 635-9663.
Graffiti Vandalism ranges from Misdemeanor to Felony
According to Utah Criminal Code 76-6-107, Offenses Against Property, graffiti is defined as “any form of unauthorized printing, writing, spraying, scratching, affixing, etching, or inscribing on the property of another regardless of the content or the nature of the material used in the commission of the act.”
Graffiti ranges from a class B misdemeanor if the damages caused are less than $300 (including removal costs, repair costs, or replacement costs, whichever is less) up to a second degree felony if the damages exceed $5,000. In the case of the Hurricane juvenile, the damages were estimated at $2,000, which would constitute a third degree felony if committed by an adult, punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. In addition, the court will impose restitution in the amount of removal, repair or replacement costs, with an additional $1,000 for graffiti on areas such as overpasses where traffic will be affected by the removal or repair.
Those numbers start adding up to a lot of money that could be spent on art supplies to be used in a more constructive fashion. If your child has been charged with graffiti vandalism, contact an experienced juvenile defense attorney who will look out for their best interest.
