Repeat offender arrested for graffiti vandalism 

October 10, 2024 – Ventura County Sheriff's Office officials report that a 27-year-old Piru resident was arrested for spray painting graffiti and causing thousands of dollars of vandalism damage within the city of Fillmore and unincorporated community of Piru.

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 tens of 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.

On 05/25/24, diligent community members reported graffiti vandalism occurring in the City of Fillmore. Deputies assigned to the Fillmore Patrol Station responded and located the subjects actively committing the graffiti vandalism.  Despite their best efforts to elude arrest, patrol deputies were able to apprehend both suspects and identified them as Brandon Rodriguez and Cristian Guerra.  Through their investigation, patrol deputies identified “monikers” utilized by both subjects in their graffiti vandalism.  A “moniker” is a specific nickname used by an individual in graffiti vandalism as a way to be identified without using a real name, in an attempt to avoid identification by law enforcement. Brandon Rodriguez and Cristian Guerra were subsequently booked at the Ventura County Main Jail for violations of graffiti vandalism and conspiracy. Both subjects were released from the Main Jail on their own recognizance pending court proceedings.

In June of 2024, Cristian Guerra was granted pretrial diversion by the court. Pretrial diversion refers to the procedure of postponing prosecution of an offense filed as a misdemeanor either temporarily or permanently at any point in the judicial process.  The court granted Guerra 12 months of pretrial diversion and was ordered to obey all city, county, state, and federal laws. Pursuant to the penal code, if Guerra performed satisfactory during the period of diversion, the criminal charges shall be dismissed at the end of the period of diversion.

In September of 2024, deputies assigned to the Fillmore Patrol Station responded to additional reports of graffiti vandalism occurring in the unincorporated community of Piru. During the investigation, patrol deputies observed the graffiti vandalism consisted of a moniker previously identified as belonging to Guerra. Detectives assigned to the Fillmore Bureau of Investigation obtained a search warrant from a Judge of the Superior Court, Ventura Judicial District, ordering the search of Guerra, any vehicles associated to Guerra, and Guerra’s residence.

On October 9th, 2024, members of the Fillmore Bureau of Investigation and West County Special Enforcement Unit executed a search warrant at Guerra’s residence, located in the 300 Block of Marina Circle, Piru. During the search warrant, detectives seized additional evidence related to the vandalisms, as well as controlled substances. Guerra was subsequently arrested for violations Penal Code § 594(b)(1) – Felony Vandalism, Penal Code § 594.2(a) – Possession of Graffiti Vandalism Tools, and Health & Safety Code § 11377 (a) – Possession of a Controlled Substance. Guerra was booked into the Ventura County Main Jail and remains in custody with a $10,000.00 bail amount.

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 Twitter @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.

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to a $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).

Source & photo: Ventura County Sheriff's Office