Community
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).
Suspect Arrested for Felony Vandalism
| Nature of Incident: | Suspect Arrested for Felony Vandalism | ||||
| Report Number: | RB # 24-2794 | ||||
| Location: | Numerous business locations throughout the City of Fillmore, CA |
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| Date & Time: | January 7, 2024 @ 10:41 PM |
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| Unit(s) Responsible: | Fillmore Patrol Services / Fillmore Station Detectives | ||||
| (S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent |
City of Residence |
Age | |||
| (S) Leonardo Morales | Fillmore | 31 | |||
| Narrative: | |||||
| A 31-year-old Fillmore resident was arrested for spray-painting graffiti on numerous businesses throughout the city of Fillmore and causing hundreds of dollars of vandalism damage to these private business owners. On January 7, at approximately 10:14 PM, the employees of a Fillmore business located in the 900 block of West Ventura Street called Ventura County Sheriff’s Communication Center (SCC) to report an in-progress vandalism crime at the establishment. Fillmore patrol deputies responded immediately to the scene and positively identified Fillmore resident Leonardo Morales as the suspect. Morales is currently on probation for similar vandalism crimes. During a search of Morales, deputies located spray paint cans on his person, which were used to commit the graffiti vandalism in question. Deputies arrested Morales for felony vandalism. Following Morales’ arrest, deputies and detectives assigned to the Fillmore station located additional victims of vandalism crimes linking Morales as the suspect. These business locations were in the 900 block of West Ventura Street, 700 block of West Ventura Street, and Fillmore City property located in the 900 block of Old Telegraph Road. Morales was subsequently booked at the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility for violations of felony Graffiti Vandalism and violation of probation. Morales remains in custody with his bail set at $20,000. 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. The removal of graffiti costs homeowners, business owners and taxpayers thousands of dollars each year. 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 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 and Fillmore Police Department are committed to increasing and strengthening community partnerships and utilizing technologies and evidence-based practices to enhance collaborative efforts at reducing crime and improving public safety of all residents by continued community partnerships. Join us in the fight on crime by following us on Twitter @VENTURASHERIFF, Facebook, Instagram @ VCSHERIFF, 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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| Prepared by: | Detective Sergeant Hollowell | ||||
| News Release Date: | January 9, 2024 | ||||
| Media Follow-Up Contact: | Detective Heersche / Detective Lemar (805) 477-7012 / (805) 477-7011 |
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| Approved by: |
Captain Eduardo Malagon | ||||
Address/Location
Ventura County Sheriff's Office
800 S Victoria Ave
Ventura, CA 93003
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 805-654-9511