Man faces trial for graffiti

- Staff report

Herald

EPHRATA - A man who was arrested in connection with graffiti on 18 buildings in Moses Lake will stand trial next week.

Jorge Gomez-Velazquez, 23, was charged with one count of first-degree malicious mischief in Grant County Superior Court.

Gomez-Velazquez was arrested after a Moses Lake police officer spotted him running across Alder Drive wearing a coat on July 16, according to court records. When the officer followed him down the alleyway, he allegedly saw Gomez-Velazquez throw a can of spray paint.

When the officer confronted him, he said he was heading to Jack in the Box to meet friends, according to court records. Later when officers asked him why a 23-year-old man would tag buildings, he reportedly replied he was trying to recapture his youth in Los Angeles.

Graffitti was located on numerous buildings along Third Avenue.

If convicted Velazquez could face a 10-year sentence and a fine of up to $20,000 plus restitution for the victims.