King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office announces 34 felony vandalism charges
On Thursday, the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office announced the filing of 34 felony criminal cases against 17 defendants related to acts of “tagging” in our community: acts of vandalism that have causes thousands of dollars in damages across King County.
“We want business owners and taxpayers who have been hurt by this to know that we hear that you have been harmed and that we are taking action,” King County Prosecuting Attorney Leesa Manion said. “We want people to feel safe in their communities. We want businesses to stay and thrive in Seattle and all parts of King County. As King County Prosecuting Attorney, I want residents to know that laws are being appropriately enforced and that we are seeking accountability for harmful felony criminal behavior.”
The charges come after a months-long effort that included the Seattle City Attorney’s Office, Seattle Police, the King County Sheriff’s Office and the Washington State Patrol. In announcing the charges, Manion also thanked Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell and City Attorney Ann Davison for their support.
“Tagging hurts our small businesses and neighborhoods. There must be appropriate accountability for those who engage in this unlawful, destructive behavior that costs thousands of dollars in damage to public and private property,” Mayor Harrell said. “I’m pleased to stand with partners across local government to show how we are working together to take action and make our communities safer, cleaner, and more welcoming to all.”
The combined total of the damage estimates in these cases is nearly $100,000. In Seattle alone, the cost of public graffiti remediation is more than $6 million annually. The annual cost to private businesses in King County is millions more.
“The property damage by graffiti to our urban homes and center city businesses is real and unsustainable,” said Tom Graff, Chair of Belltown United. “The languishing of graffiti on vacant private property and public property sends a message that this space is not safe, and you are not wanted. The physical tagging damage to community inspired murals is particularly abhorrent. The Belltown community applauds the efforts of the City and County to this prosecute property crime to our homes and neighborhood businesses.”
King County prosecutors also intend to seek restitution for the significant damages we believe these defendants caused. In most cases, that’s thousands of dollars.
“If someone is convicted of vandalizing property and causing hundreds or thousands of dollars in damage, they should be held responsible for the costs of the harm they caused,” King County Prosecuting Attorney Leesa Manion said. “These calls should not fall to taxpayers or private businesses or property owners.”
City Attorney Ann Davison’s office will be providing prosecutorial assistance on these cases. Manion and Harrell praised her collaboration.
“Property destruction is not a victimless crime,” said Seattle City Attorney Ann Davison. “Many adults in these organized groups are involved in cases referred to my office, in addition to these felony charges announced today. Because they’re organized, we in the public safety system have to be more organized in our accountability response.”
Prosecutors also credited the work of investigators with Seattle Police, the King County Sheriff’s Office and the Washington State Patrol — investigative work that was the foundation of the 34 charging documents.
Defendants are expected to have arraignment hearings to enter initial pleas in early January in King County Superior Court.
Defendants are innocent until proven guilty in court.
