A 15-year-old Fillmore resident was arrested for graffiti vandalism crimes and participating in a criminal street gang within the city of Fillmore.

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 month of July 2024, deputies assigned to the Fillmore Patrol Station conducted a self-initiated investigation in response to a rise in gang-related graffiti vandalism crimes in the City of Fillmore. Deputies were able to identify several “Hot Spot” areas that had been vandalized, coordinated resources and collected evidence to identify a male juvenile responsible for some of the graffiti vandalism crimes. Furthermore, patrol deputies were able to specifically show the graffiti vandalism was perpetrated in furtherance of a local criminal street gang. Patrol deputies sought and obtained a search warrant for the residence where the male juvenile was residing, located in the 900 block of Fourth Street, Fillmore.

On July 19, 2024, Fillmore patrol deputies and detectives served the search warrant at the male juvenile’s residence. During the search warrant, detectives seized additional evidence related to the graffiti vandalisms and items further connecting the juvenile to the criminal street gang. The Ventura County Probation Agency will be forwarded the facts and circumstances of this case, alleging the juvenile was in violation of Penal Code § 549(b)(2)(A) – Graffiti Vandalism and Penal Code § 186.22(d) – Participation in a Criminal Street Gang. The Ventura County Probation Agency reviews the case to determine whether a case should be referred to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration or handled informally by the probation agency. The juvenile was released to his mother pending consideration by the Ventura County Probation Agency and District Attorney’s Office.

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 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 and Fillmore Police Department are committed to increasing and strengthening community partnerships and utilizing technologies and evidence-based practices to enhance collaborative efforts at reducing crime and improving public safety of all residents by continued community partnerships. Join us in the fight on crime by following us on X @VENTURASHERIFF, Facebook, Instagram @ VCSHERIFF, and with Nixle by texting your zip code to 888777 to receive local law enforcement and public safety alerts and advisories.

Nature of Incident: Gang-Related Graffiti Vandalism Arrest
Report Number: 24-72893
Location: 900 Block of Fourth Street, Fillmore

Date & Time: July 19th, 2024, at 7:10 A.M.

Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Patrol Services
Fillmore Investigations

Suspect City of Residence Age
Male Juvenile Fillmore 15

Prepared by: Detective Dustin Heershe
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon