Graffiti plagues city buildings

By Staff
Melissa Cason
Urban art, or graffiti, has once again been found on buildings in the Russellville area.
The graffiti can be found on several buildings throughout the city, but instead of just targeting businesses or abandoned businesses, a residence was also victimized.
Russellville Police Chief Chris Hargett said eight buildings have been marked with the letters S P K, which stands for Sour Punch Kids.
"The markings are from skateboarding materials," Hargett said. "Sour Punch Kids is a popular candy in the skateboarding community. We have no reason to believe the markings are gang related."
Hargett said to date Russellville has had no crimes linked to any gang activity.
"It's kids doing this," Hargett said. "It's not gang related."
The fact that kids were believed to be responsible for the artwork doesn't mean the department slacked on the investigation.
In fact, two juveniles were arrested this week for their part in the graffiti sprayings. They were placed in the juvenile detention center after being charged with first-degree criminal mischief.
However, their adult helper, Jorge Miguel Andres, 20, of 13231 Highway 243 in Russellville, was arrested and charged with third-degree criminal mischief.
While the justice system is working to deal with those responsible for the graffiti, building owners are making plans to get their buildings cleaned up.
Bolton Furniture, located on Coffee Avenue, was one of the businesses victimized by the teenagers.
Storeowner Billy Bolton said this is isn't the first time his building has been victimized.
"This is the fifth or sixth time this has happened," Bolton said. "I just hope it's the last time."
Bolton said the clean up costs his business a few hundred dollars each time.
The north side of the Food World building, a residence located at 94 Cemetery Street, and the CITY Program building were also victimized.
According to the Alabama Criminal Code, first-degree criminal mischief is a Class C felony, which is punishable by one to 10 years in prison upon conviction. However, third degree criminal mischief is a Class B misdemeanor, which carries a punishment of six months in jail.