On 03/07/2025, (S) Jose Flores, an 18-year-old Simi Valley resident, was arrested for his involvement with multiple gang
graffiti vandalisms which occurred at the Fillmore Historical Museum during the months of October and November 2024.
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. Graffiti may also be the catalyst for additional, more serious crimes affecting our communities. The removal of graffiti costs homeowners, business owners and
taxpayers thousands of dollars each year. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office is committed to responding to public concerns
in a manner that builds confidence in our agency and strengthens relationships to empower businesses and residents to be the
eyes and ears of the community.
During the months of October and November 2024, diligent members of the community reported multiple graffiti vandalisms at
the Fillmore Historical Museum located in the 300 block of Main Street in Fillmore. Fillmore patrol personnel responded to
the area and confirmed vandalisms had occurred, and they were likely gang related. Detectives with the Fillmore Bureau of
Investigation collaborated with patrol personnel on the investigation and quickly identified suspects.
In December 2024, detectives with the Fillmore Bureau of Investigation obtained an arrest warrant for Jose Flores, who is a
criminal street gang member from Fillmore, but was believed to have moved out of the area.
During the month of March 2025, a residential search warrant was obtained for Flores’ residence located in the 1000 block of
Arcane Street in Simi Valley.
On 03/07/2025, members of the Fillmore Bureau of Investigation, Thousand Oaks Special Enforcement Unit, and the Pre-Trial
Detention Facility Classification Unit executed the search warrant at Flores’ residence and seized additional evidence
linking him to the graffiti vandalisms and participation in a criminal street gang. Flores was home at the time of the
warrant service and was arrested for his felony warrant (Penal Code § 594(b)(2)(A) – Graffiti Vandalism). He was later
booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility pending court proceedings.
The Fillmore Police Department encourages citizens to immediately report suspicious people and vehicles, and to promptly
report any graffiti they come across by calling our dispatch center at (805) 654-9511. Following a police investigation, all
graffiti should be immediately removed. Anyone with information pertaining to any crimes is urged to contact The Fillmore
Police Station at (805) 524-2233 or the listed detectives below. The reporting party may remain anonymous.
Graffiti Removal
The City of Fillmore removes all graffiti in public areas by either painting over it or by using a power washer, depending
upon the location of the graffiti. Residents are encouraged to call the city graffiti hotline at (805) 524-1500, prompt
number 4, then 3. Additionally, private property owners are encouraged to help combat vandalism by removing any graffiti
visible on their properties.
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 “X” @fillmoresheriff, Facebook, Instagram @VCSHERIFF and
@FILLMOREPD, and with Nixle by texting your zip code to 888777 to receive local law enforcement and public safety alerts and
advisories.
Prepared by: Sergeant Jarrod Foote
News Release Date: 03/07/2025
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon
Booking Photo Release: NO
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Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).
