Ventura County Sheriff – Incident Press Release
A 29-year-old Fillmore resident was arrested for spray painting gang graffiti and causing hundreds of dollars of vandalism damage within the city of Fillmore.
On June 13, 2021, at approximately 6:45 PM, deputies responded to a report of a suspect who had spray painted gang related graffiti on a cement wall of a local business and a trash dumpster in the 700 block of Ventura Street. This crime was witnessed by a diligent citizen who relayed valuable information to the deputies.
Fillmore patrol deputies and the Fillmore Detective Bureau quickly conducted a follow-up investigation. The investigation resulted in the vandalism suspect being identified as a known probationer and a Fillmore resident named Leonardo Morales.
On June 18, 2021, at approximately 9:30 AM, Fillmore detectives located and arrested Morales on Old Telegraph Road near Sespe Avenue in Fillmore. Detectives conducted a probation search of Morale’s residence and located evidence implicating Morales in the vandalism crime.
Morales was taken into custody and he was subsequently booked at the Ventura County Main Jail for violations of Graffiti Vandalism and Participation in a Criminal Street Gang. Morales remains in custody with his bail set at $100,000. His court date is set for June 22, 2021.
Graffiti vandalism is an eyesore that directly affects the quality of life in our communities. If left unchecked, graffiti can decrease property values and lead to the deterioration of entire neighborhoods. Gang graffiti may also be the catalyst for additional, more serious conflicts between rival gangs. The removal of graffiti costs homeowners, business owners and taxpayers thousands of dollars each year.
The Fillmore Police Department encourages citizens to immediately report suspicious people and vehicles, and to promptly report any graffiti they come across by calling 911. After police investigation, all graffiti should be immediately removed.
Anyone with information pertaining to crimes are urged to contact The Fillmore Police Station at (805) 524-2233 or the below listed detective. The reporting party may remain anonymous.
Graffiti Removal
The city removes all graffiti by either painting over it or by using the power washer, depending upon the location of the graffiti. If graffiti is on private property, the city secures a signed agreement from the property owner giving them permission to do the work. Call the city at (805) 524-1500 if you see graffiti within the city and they will take steps to remove it.
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank members of the public for their on-going support and due diligence in providing information to assist our agency in solving crimes. We are better at what we do because of our community partnerships.
Join us in the fight on crime by following us on Twitter @fillmoresheriff, Facebook,
Instagram @VCSHERIFF, and with Nixle by texting your zip code to 888777 to receive local law enforcement and public safety alerts and advisories.
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