Reward offered for graffiti vandalism

Douglas County Secret Witness is offering a $500 reward for information about vandals accused of causing thousands of dollars of damage from graffiti in and around Rancho Aspen Park.

"Just in the past seven weeks, deputies have investigated 18 instances of graffiti," said Sheriff's Sgt. Tom Mezzetta.

He said 11 suspects were identified in five of the incidents.

Deputies were seeking information on individuals who go by "Exist" or "Anex" believed responsible for the Rancho Aspen Park vandalism.

Punishment for graffiti ranges from six months in Douglas County Jail and a $1,000 fine for a misdemeanor conviction to four years in Nevada State Prison and a $5,000 fine for a felony depending on the damage, Mezzetta said.

Other penalties include a $250 assessment which is placed in a state reward fund to pay for information that results in conviction of those responsible.

"Persons under 18 found guilty of defacing property may have their driver's license suspended or face a delay in the issuance of any license for 90 days up to two years," Mezzetta said.

Vandals older than 18 may have their license suspended for six months upon conviction.

A person also may be sentenced for 50 hours of community service cleaning up graffiti, Mezzetta said.

Anyone with information about the vandalism is asked to contact Secret Witness at 782-7463 or Investigator Greg Rooney at 782-9905.

Payment is made in any method the caller prefers and anonymity is assured, Mezzetta said.

"You may remain absolutely anonymous in reporting this information while at the same time you would be helping to clean up our community and, of course, reward yourself with up to $500," he said.