Deputies solve nine graffiti cases
STAFF REPORT

Posted: 3/28/2007

FERNLEY--With on-going graffiti incidents being reported in the Fernley area, the Lyon County Sheriff's Office solve nine recent graffiti cases.

According to the LCSO a male youth confessed to the recent graffiti incidents.

The 16-year old juvenile uses the moniker "CRASH," which had appeared "all over town," reported LSCO Lieutenant Mike Lange.

Lange remarked graffiti has been an ongoing issue in the Fernley area for years and as the community grows incidents of graffiti also increases.

"Has there been a drastic increase?" asked Lange to which he answered, "No."

The LCSO lieutenant added that crime in general in Fernley has increased and along with that so has graffiti incidents "We have more of everything. It's (graffiti) not all of a sudden."

Concerning the youth, Lange remarked the 16-year old youth maybe affiliated with the gang Jugalos. He added there have been incidents of gang graffiti but he said Fernley has always had gang graffiti for years. Lange also emphasized some graffiti is also not gang related.

Since the youth was on probation with Lyon County Juvenile Probation Office, a search of the teen's room at his family's home was conducted by LCSO and Juvenile Probation officers, which uncovered items that denoted his nickname, Crash.

This might be the first graffiti incident that might be prosecuted under the City of Fernley's anti-graffiti ordinance.

The ordinance increases the community services hours for offenders and also requires an adult or guardian to be in attendance a minimum of 50% of the assigned community service.

The LCSO estimated the total dollar value of damages incurred by the nine victims is about $1,800.