A group of alleged graffiti vandals is accused of transforming Los Angeles buildings into oversized advertising space for their tags, causing nearly $173,000 in damage. Prosecutors say one of the suspects, a city utility employee, helped the crew during an alleged yearlong campaign.
Javier Rezendez Rocha, an electrical craft helper who has worked for the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power since 2018, faces 12 felony vandalism charges. The alleged offenses took place between August 2025 and August 2026, according to prosecutors.
Rocha earns a base annual salary of between $75,335 and $102,249. Authorities allege he used his utility experience, equipment and climbing ropes to help members of the group reach elevated portions of buildings.
Investigators say the alleged operation went far beyond street-level graffiti. The suspects reportedly used ladders and technical climbing gear to scale buildings, paint their exteriors and operate drones to record the results.
Prosecutors also allege that the group commercialized the work by selling merchandise connected to the graffiti.
The estimated damage totaled $172,930. Several of the properties allegedly targeted were regarded as historically important buildings.
“These defendants turned buildings across Los Angeles into their personal billboards, leaving property owners with over $170,000 in repair costs,” Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said.
Hochman described the alleged activity as a profit-driven scheme and said prosecutors would seek penalties requiring offenders to remove graffiti themselves.
“This was not harmless graffiti, and these are not victimless crimes as they destroy the quality of life in our community,” Hochman said. “To anyone thinking about vandalizing property, Los Angeles County is not yours to deface.”
The other defendants are Michael Ray Gonzales of Pico Rivera, who faces seven felony counts; Francisco Rodriguez Aguilar of West Covina; and Richard Evan Ward II of Oceanside. Rodriguez Aguilar and Ward each face two felony charges.
Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell said the alleged vandalism affected business owners, property owners, taxpayers and the broader public. He said iconic buildings and public spaces were among the locations allegedly targeted.
“Let this serve as a clear message: If you deface our city, we will investigate you, identify you and hold you accountable,” McDonnell said.
The case was filed Oct. 8. Ward pleaded not guilty Oct. 12 and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing setting on Nov. 19. Rodriguez Aguilar is set to be arraigned Oct. 19, while Rocha is scheduled to appear in court Oct. 23.
Gonzales’ arraignment will take place at a later date. The defendants who have already been arraigned were released on their own recognizance.
If convicted on all charges, Rocha could receive a sentence of up to 10 years and four months in county jail.
Gonzales faces a potential sentence of up to seven years. Rodriguez Aguilar and Ward could each receive up to three years and eight months.