Grand jury indictments target notorious graffiti vandals

Seven people have been indicted by a grand jury for allegedly vandalizing small businesses and recreational areas with graffiti, San Francisco prosecutors announced Tuesday.

Multiple counts have been filed against 27-year-old Tyler Ross for allegedly vandalizing the city with Bart Simpson graffiti.

Multiple counts have been filed against 38-year-old Jorge Coya and 19-year-old Connor Chavela for allegedly vandalizing property repeatedly over a three-year period.

Omar Clerkin, 24, Carlos Cruz, 25, Avery Sizelove, 23, and an unnamed person who has a bench warrant out for his arrest, have been indicted in a separate count for allegedly causing damage to a restaurant.

District Attorney George Gascon said in a statement:

“We’re working closely with the Police Department to identify and hold accountable the most prolific vandals, who cost the city over $20 million per year.”

Prosecutors said removing graffiti is costly for residents and small business owners, who on average pay $3,370 to remove a single tag and bear additional costs because business is interrupted.

Ross was indicted on 29 felony counts for alleged vandalism throughout The City. Prosecutors said according to court records, Coya has been indicted on 26 felony counts for alleged vandalism of businesses mainly in Chinatown and in the North Beach neighborhood.

Chavela was indicted on nine felony counts for vandalism he allegedly did by himself and with Coya.

Clerkin, Cruz, Sizelove and one other person were indicted on one felony count for their alleged roles in causing $7,100 to $8,000 of damage to an eatery on Market Street on Aug. 4, 2017.

Although these individuals have been indicted, prosecutors said the case is open and anyone with more information is asked to either call the Police Department’s anonymous tip line at (415) 575-4444 or text them at TIP411 with SFPD at the beginning of the message.