Citizen watchdog snaps photo of possible graffiti vandal

Historic City News has learned that a concerned citizen photographed the young man shown walking along the sidewalk of San Marco Avenue after he is said to have painted “Be God” in black paint on the roadway.

The incident is near the Prince of Peace church at the Mission Nombre de Dios, where yesterday Historic City News reporters photographed graffiti vandalism done to the roadside sign. According to our sources, the graffiti matches the tag painted on the obelisk monument in the Plaza de la Constitution on Monday afternoon.

Mark Samson, Public Information Officer for the St Augustine Police Department, released the suspect’s photographs to the media today after our story was published. Samson said that investigators working the case believe that the graffiti this week matches graffiti from cases they investigated in 2013.

Today the majority of the damage caused by the paint on the obelisk has been repaired. A coat of white-wash will be required before the finish is restored. Hours of labor were required employing special techniques to avoid further damage to the historical marker while sanding off the paint.

Vice Mayor Nancy Sikes Kline reminds Historic City News readers that, under our current ordinances adopted three years ago, there are enhanced fines and penalties levied against anyone who defaces historic property anywhere in the city.

From the St Augustine Code of Ordinances:

Sec. 18-58. Placement of graffiti.

(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to willfully and maliciously injure or damage any real or personal property belonging to another in the city by the placement of graffiti on such property. Violation of this section shall constitute a civil infraction and shall be punished as follows:

(1) If the damage to such property is two hundred dollars ($200.00) or less, by a fine of not less than two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00).
(2) If the damage to such property exceeds two hundred dollars ($200.00) or if such property is a historic property as defined in section 2-383(5) of the City Code, by a fine of not less than five hundred dollars ($500.00).
(3) For any second or subsequent violation of this section, by a fine of not less than five hundred dollars ($500.00).

(b) In addition to the penalties specified in subsection (a), any person who violates this section shall be required to perform community service as follows:

(1) If the damage to such property is two hundred dollars ($200.00) or less, such person shall perform up to one hundred (100) hours of community service.
(2) If the damage to such property exceeds two hundred dollars ($200.00) or if such property is a historic property as defined in section 2-383(5) of the City Code, such person shall perform up to five hundred (500) hours of community service.
(3) For any second or subsequent violation of this section, such person shall perform up to one thousand (1,000) hours of community service.

(c) In addition to any penalty imposed under this section, any person who violates this section shall provide restitution to the city or to the owner of the property damaged by such violation for the costs incurred in the restoration of the property.

(d) As authorized by F.S. § 806.13, any minor who violates this section shall be subject to any mandatory penalty prescribed in this section. If a minor violates this section, the parent or legal guardian of the minor and the minor are liable for payment of the fine and any restitution.

(Ord. No. 11-20, § 1, 9-26-11)

If you observe vandalism taking place, or know the identity or whereabouts of those responsible for this damage, you can remain anonymous and provide information about these crimes by calling the tip line at Crime Stoppers of Northeast Florida toll-free at 1-888-277-TIPS. You could also be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.