John Williams, a Ventura man with a history of criminal activity, has been charged with multiple counts of vandalism and hate crimes, according to officials from the Ventura County District Attorney's Office. KTLA reports that the 32-year-old was arrested on March 30 after allegedly spray-painting swastikas across Ventura.
Williams, who has previously been convicted of forcible rape, is facing three counts of felony vandalism, three counts of felony hate crime, two counts of misdemeanor vandalism, and one count of possession of a stun gun by a convicted felon. Caught on an electric scooter by officers, surveillance footage placed Williams at the scenes of the crimes, with further incriminating evidence found on his social media accounts. According to the DA's office, Williams' social media showed him attempting to frame others for his actions.
The graffiti included swastikas and the tag "VC Pride" and were located on both public and private properties. The use of these symbols, as stated by Ventura County DA Erik Nasarenko, is more than simple property damage. "Vandalism involving vile symbols like swastikas is more than just property damage. It is a hate-filled message intended to spread fear, sow division, and endanger our communities," Nasarenko shared in a statement obtained by KTLA.
Williams pleaded not guilty to the charges last Wednesday, with his early disposition conference scheduled for Friday. As of this reporting, he remains in custody with bail set at $250,000.
