Ventura County Sheriff's Department

The Moorpark Special Enforcement/Gang Unit completed a lengthy investigation into numerous acts of graffiti vandalisms throughout the city of Moorpark, culminating in the arrest of Arturo Mendoza. Mendoza, who claimed to be a member of a local “Tagging Crew” was arrested and booked for 16 counts of felony graffiti vandalism. A tagging crew is a group of individuals who deface public and private property with spray paint, etching tools, and other materials. They typically display their tagging crew name and moniker to give noriety to their specific crew. This tagging crew has defaced public and private property dating back to August 2007. Some areas defaced include several private businesses on High Street, Chaparral Middle School, Arroyo Vista Park, vacant homes, Tierra Rejada Reservoir, businesses on Moorpark Avenue, retaining walls on Everett Street, Moorpark City Library, Moorpark Athletic Club, property belonging to Southern California Edison, Flory Academy Elementary School, and other properties belonging to the Moorpark Unified School District.

The Moorpark Special Enforcement/Gang Unit conducted investigations and followed up on anonymous tips from concerned citizens and as a result were able to arrest Mendoza for the crimes he committed. The total damage estimated by the various victims of this tagging crew totaled in excess of $23,000.00.

Location: City of Moorpark, CA

Date & Time: July 20, 2010 9:30 A.M.

Unit Responsible: Moorpark Special Enforcement / Gang Unit

(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses / Address / Age
Arturo Mendoza / Moorpark Resident / Age – 20 years

Officer Preparing Release: Detective Christopher Starks

Follow-up Contact: Detective Christopher Starks (805) 532-2700

Date of Release: July 23, 2010

Approved By: Captain Ron Nelson