SAN FRANCISCO—On July 10, San Francisco District Attorney George Gascón revealed that a grand jury indicted seven vandals on 52 felony counts for property crimes targeting small business owners and recreational spaces.
According to a press release from the SFDA’s Office, a total of 51 counts were filed against Tyler Ross, 27, known for vandalizing the city with Bart Simpson graffiti, Jorge Coya, 38, and Connor Chavela, 19, for felony vandalism related to repeated acts of property damage over nearly three years. Four other individuals, Omar Clerkin, 24, Carlos Cruz, 25, Avery Sizelove, 23, and an unnamed individual who currently has a bench warrant for his arrest were indicted in a separate count for their roles in causing significant damage to a local San Francisco restaurant.
“We’re working closely with the police department to identify and hold accountable the most prolific vandals, who cost the city over $20 million per year,” said District Attorney George Gascón. “Individuals like these are behind the city’s property crime challenge. By tying them to multiple incidents, we can ensure they face consequences equal to their impact on our community.”
The San Francisco District Attorney’s Office indicated that graffiti abatement is a costly process, where on average; small business owners pay $3,370 to remove a single incident of vandalism, and bear additional costs from interruptions to normal operations.
According to court documents, Tyler Kent Ross was an active vandal in the Bay Area for the last few years. He is known for tagging a distinctive Bart Simpson head with the number “4” incorporated into the drawing. He was indicted on 29 felony counts for vandalism throughout San Francisco, with over a dozen at parks and beaches.
Jorge Luis Coya, also known as “KRK” aka “Kick Rocks,” was indicted on 26 counts of felony vandalism. According to court documents, Coya vandalized local businesses for many years, with the majority of his vandalism committed in Chinatown and North Beach. Coya claimed affiliation with the tagging crews WKT, AMC, and EHC.
Connor Chavela, also known as “Cyae” aka “Cya,” was indicted on 9 counts of felony vandalism both for acts committed by himself and with Coya. Chavela claimed affiliation with the tagging crew 730.
Omar Clerkin, also known as “Yeska”, Carlos Cruz, aka “Orrible”, Avery Sizelove, aka “Every,” and one other individual were indicted on 1 count of felony vandalism for their roles in causing $7,100 to $8,000 in damage to a Market Street restaurant on August 4, 2017. Court records indicated Sizelove is affiliated with KHY.
“Our success in holding prolific vandals accountable is dependent upon the SFPD working in partnership with the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office,” said Police Chief William Scott. “On behalf of the women and men of the SFPD, I’d like to thank the members of the District Attorney’s Office for working effectively with us on this issue.”
The case remains an active investigation. Anyone with information about this case or other prolific graffiti vandals is encouraged to contact SFPD via the department’s anonymous tip line at (415) 575-4444 or text TIP411 with “SFPD” at the start of the message.
Written By Casey Jacobs
