Driving Under the Influence & Gang Graffiti Arrests
February 7, 2025 – Ventura County Sheriff's Office officials report that on February 1, 2025, two male suspects were 
arrested for their involvement with gang graffiti which occurred at the 400 block of Moorpark Avenue.
On February 1, 2025, at approximately 2:40 a.m., a patrol deputy spotted a vehicle driving without its headlights on and conducted a traffic enforcement stop. The deputy contacted Eduardo Cardona, Christian Mendez, and Jose Sevilla in the vehicle. Cardona, the driver of the vehicle, displayed symptoms of being under the influence of alcohol and was arrested for DUI. The patrol deputy noticed a black spray paint can in the back seat of the vehicle, but was unaware of any recent graffiti vandalisms in the area. The following morning, Moorpark Detectives identified four locations of recent spray paint graffiti in the 400 block of Moorpark Avenue and 100 block of Second Street.
Detectives obtained a search warrant for the vehicle and located additional evidence linking Cardona, Mendez, and Sevilla to the graffiti vandalism and participation in a criminal street gang. Cardona and Mendez were subsequently arrested for Penal Code § 594(b)(2)(A) – Vandalism, Penal Code 182(a)(1)- Conspiracy to Commit a Crime and Penal Code § 186.22(d)- Street Terrorism.
On February 5, 2025, Detectives located and arrested Sevilla for violations of Penal Code § 594(b)(2)(A) – Vandalism, Penal Code 182(a)(1)- Conspiracy to Commit a Crime and Penal Code § 186.22(d)- Street Terrorism. Detectives also obtained and served a search warrant at Sevilla’s residence in Simi Valley, which yielded additional evidence linking Sevilla to the crimes.
The Moorpark Police Department encourages citizens to immediately report suspicious activity and graffiti vandalisms by calling Sheriff’s Dispatch at (805) 654-9511. Residents can also report graffiti by calling the City of Moorpark Graffiti Hotline at (805) 517-6240.
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 can also be the catalyst for 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 crimes affecting our communities in a manner that builds confidence in our agency and strengthens relationships to empower business owners and residents to be the eyes and ears of the community.
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank members of the public for their on-going support and 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 Facebook and Instagram @VCSHERIFF and @MOORPARKPD, and with Nixle by texting your zip code to 888777 to receive local law enforcement and public safety alerts and advisories.
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Nature of Incident: |
Driving Under the Influence & Gang Graffiti Arrests |
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Report Number: |
25-13736 |
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Location: |
400 block of Moorpark Avenue, Moorpark |
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Date & Time: |
February 1, 2025 at 2:40 a.m. |
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Unit(s) Responsible: |
Moorpark Patrol |
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(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent |
City of Residence |
Age |
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(S) Eduardo Cardona |
Simi Valley |
25 |
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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: Ventura County Sheriff's Office
