Arrests of Interest

19-year-old in custody for Riverside graffiti vandalism

Special to the Valley News
Thursday, October 22nd, 2009. Issue 43, Volume 9.

RIVERSIDE - A 19-year-old suspected of repeated acts of graffiti vandalism in and around Riverside, causing thousands of dollars in damage, was in custody today.


Alex Villa, of Riverside, was arrested Sunday during a tagging investigation in the area of Chicago Avenue and Massachusetts Street in Riverside, authorities said.

Passers-by spotted two men spray-painting a wall along Interstate 215 and called police, said Riverside police Sgt. Mark Rossi. Responding officers stopped Villa and an associate, who was not identified, walking away from the scene, according to Rossi.


A search of Villa uncovered graffiti implements which Rossi said tied the suspect to "graffiti found on advertising signs, railroad crossing arms and city-owned electrical boxes" in Riverside, Grand Terrace and Highgrove, as well as all over the 60/91/215 Interchange.

"It is estimated that Alex Villa caused approximately $8,000 in damages to the local freeways, $4,000 to railroad property, $5,000 to local billboard advertisers and $3,000 to the city of Riverside and some local businesses," said Rossi.


Villa was booked into the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility in Banning on multiple allegations of felony and misdemeanor vandalism. He is being held in lieu of $5,000 bail.


latimes.com

52 children rescued in nationwide sex-trafficking raid

Federal officials arrest almost 700, including 60 pimps, in a three-day crackdown on child prostitution. The youngest victim was 10, authorities say. Two children are rescued in Riverside.

By Joe Markman


This is a report about Riverside Arrests however these arrests only scratch the surface of the Child Prostitution Problem in the USA. Yes it could happen right here in Grand Terrace. Please be alert to this problem where ever you are. Gramps..