Ventura County Sheriff's Department

The Moorpark Police Department Investigations Unit concluded a two-month investigation into a vandalism crime spree in the City of Moorpark. Over the past two months, a suspect, using a moniker, spray painted several businesses throughout the city causing thousands of dollars of damage. Detectives developed information, which led them to Jose Betancourt as a suspect in the vandalisms.

On 6/19/2012, Detectives from the Moorpark Police Department served a search warrant at Betancourt’s residence in the 100 block of First Street, in Moorpark. Detectives discovered numerous items of evidentiary value linking Betancourt to the vandalisms.

Betancourt was arrested for one felony count of vandalism, five misdemeanor counts of vandalism and one misdemeanor count of possession of graffiti tools. He is currently in custody at the Ventura County Jail with a bail of $10,000.

Additional arrests and search warrants are expected in this investigation.

Nature of Incident: Felony Graffiti Vandalism
Report Number: 12-9019, 12-12401, 12-13148, 12-13482, 12-13483
Location: City of Moorpark
Date & Time: 4/23/2012 – 6/19/2012
Unit Responsible: Moorpark Investigations
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
(S) Jose Betancourt, Moorpark, 18
(V) Southern California Edison
(V) Boys and Girls Club
(V) Starbucks
(V) Chevron
Deputy Preparing Media Release: Sergeant Victor Fazio
Media Release Date: 6/19/2012
Follow-Up Contact: Detective Chris Starks (805) 532-2700
Approved by: Captain Ron Nelson

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).