Graffiti tagger SAES admits responsibility on 28 vandalism charges
The graffiti tagger known as SAES admitted Wednesday to vandalizing 28 different locations in Washtenaw County during a from November to May.
The teenager known as SAES pleaded responsible to 28 charges of vandalism Wednesday.
Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com
The 15-year-old accepted a plea deal that will result in all but three counts being erased from his criminal record should he successfully complete probation, including paying restitution. The amount of restitution has yet to be determined.
The other three counts will be expunged from his criminal record after five years, said Lynn D’Orio, his attorney.
D’Orio said SAES, who is not being named because he is a juvenile, accepted responsibility for his actions and intends to pay all of the restitution he’ll be assigned.
“He has hammers over his head, and I believe he will be successful,” D’Orio said after court on Wednesday.
The teen pleaded responsible to six charges of malicious destruction of property between $200 and $1,000; six charges of malicious destruction of a building between $1,000 and $20,000; four charges of malicious destruction of a building between $200 and $1,000; four charges of malicious destruction of personal property worth between $200 and $1,000; four charges of malicious destruction of a building causing less than $200 in damages and four charges of malicious destruction of property worth between $1,000 and $20,000.
If the teen successfully completes probation and pays all the restitution he owes, all but a charge of malicious destruction of a building between $200 and $1,000, malicious destruction of a building worth between $1,000 and $20,000 and malicious destruction of personal property worth between $1,000 and $20,000 will be dismissed.
Each charge represents a different place in Washtenaw County that was vandalized, often by the spray painted “SAES” tag. New reports are still being filed, but the Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office agreed to not file petitions against SAES in those cases. However, he will still be responsible for the restitution from those cases.
Among the locations vandalized by SAES are several restaurants, including Rush Street, Northside Grille, Kuroshio, Bell’s Pizza, No Thai and Banditos. He also was accused of vandalizing five locations on the University of Michigan’s campus, Crazy Wisdom bookstore, Fingerle Lumber, an Ann Arbor Public Schools building, rail cars, Republic Parking garages, recreation equipment belonging to the city of Ann Arbor and a historical glass marker owned by the city.
In most of the cases, he admitted to spray painting his moniker on various buildings. SAES also admitted to carving his moniker into windows and the glass historical marker, and using a paint marker to put his moniker on street signs, elevators and other locations.
When asked by Referee Gail Altenburg if he had permission to vandalize those places, SAES said, “No, not at all.”
Detective Robin Larson led the extensive Ann Arbor Police Department investigation into SAES’ vandalism. Much of the police investigation was spent gathering the damage estimates from the businesses that were hit by SAES.
One other teenager was also charged with vandalism related to graffiti around Ann Arbor. The graffiti tagger MOLE pleaded responsible to 11 charges earlier this month and must pay more than $13,500 in restitution.
A disposition hearing, at which the amount of restitution and time on probation is expected to be announced, will be held at 10 a.m. Aug. 8 in front of Altenburg.
SAES will remain on house arrest until the disposition hearing, despite D’Orio’s request that he be let off of house arrest in order to get working so he could raise funds to pay the restitution.
“This would allow him to get the ball rolling,” she said, adding “I want him to hit the ground running.”
Altenburg did rule that SAES would be able to leave home for work, community service and his participation in W-A-Y Washtenaw, a mostly-online alternative school through the Washtenaw Intermediate School District.
Kyle Feldscher covers cops and courts for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at kylefeldscher@annarbor.com or you can follow him on Twitter.
Comments
W.J.Mundus
Fri, Jun 28, 2013 : 3:33 p.m.
Why not solve this problem the same way the city solved painting the rock at Washtenaw and Hill. LEGALIZE IT! Worked so well there.
shell1971
Thu, Jun 27, 2013 : 4:48 p.m.
My favorite comments on here so far are the ones by "adults" who want addresses of people who a different opinion then they do about this so they can what come "tag" their house?? WOW....someone states this is not a "new problem", my point !!
Brendan Keeley
Thu, Jun 27, 2013 : 3:35 p.m.
I don't like tagging but this is a non-violent crime perpetrated by a fifteen year old who probably has been doing this since middle school. Some of the comments here are a bit extreme. The young man certainly could have used more supervision, and should pay for the damage he caused. Having removed a fair amount of Graffiti it isn't as tough or time consuming as one would suspect, depending on the surface of course. This falls more under the category of stupid kid tricks as opposed to master criminal intent on destroying our community. Graffiti is an old form of expression, not a new problem created by these darn kids, check out Pompeii. SAES tagging seems to be a cry for greater supervision, and is really annoying but I think we need to maintain some perspective.
LindaE
Thu, Jun 27, 2013 : 12:50 p.m.
If his mother didn't teach him to clean up his messes, the city should. Make him clean it up!
Dave
Thu, Jun 27, 2013 : 10:42 a.m.
Lets not forget the 70 MPH speed limit sign on 94 headed westbound from 23.Not sure if I'm more frustrated at SAES or MDOT for leaving the tags up for months.
Usual Suspect
Thu, Jun 27, 2013 : 2:10 p.m.
I'm always baffled by seeing the tags so far from his home. In the case you mention, it's on the opposite side of town from where he lives. He's not driving himself yet, so somebody is driving him around to help him commit his destruction.
JRW
Wed, Jun 26, 2013 : 11:34 p.m.
"The amount of restitution has yet to be determined." Didn't the mayor say that graffiti vandals are paying $25,000 in fines? Does that apply here? Given the amount and seriousness of the damage, $25,000 would be cheap. I think it should be more like $50-75,000 in fines. I also don't think his record should be "erased." Let him live with the consequences. These are severe property crimes, extensive and damaging vandalism and property destruction.
Nicholas Urfe
Wed, Jun 26, 2013 : 9:45 p.m.
"I fought the law... and the law slapped my wrist"
RUKiddingMe
Wed, Jun 26, 2013 : 8:48 p.m.
So this one must be the one where it'll be a $25,000 fine, like the mayor said, right? Because the mole kid certainly wasn't $25,000, but the mayor sure did say $25,000 according to reports. From what I read, he said it quite confidently. So surely that's what the fine will be. A2.com, I think it would be great to publish the cost of those glass historical markers; I'm guessing that ONE thing alone, where he SCRATCHED into it instead of just painting, was a several-thousand-dollar installation. If you can find and publsih this info, I'd appreciate it.
Jaime Magiera
Wed, Jun 26, 2013 : 8:24 p.m.
I can't help but wonder if the same people calling for stiff penalties against the tagger, and in particular, publicly implying he has mental health or larger behavioral issues, have the same reactions to perpetrators of corporate crime and abuse of power. Do you publicly imply those people have mental health issues or larger behavioral issues? Do you suggest they they pay heavily for every single instance of their crimes? Do you suggest that they should have been "at home" where they belong? Oddly, I rarely see comments on the AnnArbor.com articles to that effect. I hope in the future that folks attack the perpetrators of those crimes with such vim and vigor (and perhaps a dash of wild speculation).
Amy Biolchini
Wed, Jun 26, 2013 : 7:08 p.m.
Has "SAES" ever explained why he chose that moniker in any of the court proceedings? Call me a nerd, but acronyms fascinate me.
Usual Suspect
Thu, Jun 27, 2013 : 2:33 a.m.
It doesn't matter, and stop fueling his ego by talking about him in this manner. It's bad enough that you still post pictured of his droppings.
JRW
Wed, Jun 26, 2013 : 11:35 p.m.
Don't glorify this vandalism.
John Counts
Wed, Jun 26, 2013 : 9:52 p.m.
I've spoken to his mother, Amy. She told me SAES doesn't mean anything. He just likes the way it looks.
Dave
Wed, Jun 26, 2013 : 6:57 p.m.
Lohr and Ellsworth had a new tag out there today on the traffic control box. To that guy: I call 911 on taggers and I will citizen arrest you until the cops get me off your back.
M-Wolverine
Thu, Jun 27, 2013 : 2:36 p.m.
Wait, what is the danger of making a citizen's arrest of a "tagger" if they're just "Artists" and not "criminals?"
Jaime Magiera
Wed, Jun 26, 2013 : 8:19 p.m.
You want to clog the emergency communications service with complaints of graffiti? That's not what 911 is for. Also, Citizens Arrest in general is a dangerous proposition. You might get yourself hurt - in which case, emergency lines clogged with graffiti complaints might be even less desirable.
DBH
Wed, Jun 26, 2013 : 8:07 p.m.
Be careful. As I understand it, in Michigan citizen's arrests are generally allowed only for felonies. Even then, you are exposing yourself to a wrongful arrest suit or impersonating an officer if the "arrest" is thrown out of court. See http://tinyurl.com/phqwpmt
pegret
Wed, Jun 26, 2013 : 6:42 p.m.
I read the article on the colorful graffiti under the bridge. Interesting. Granted this is not someone's private property, which no one should be painting on without permission. However, while some may see this "approved" work as more visually stunning than the work of these juvenile scofflaws, I think it sends a very mixed message to kids: If someone like Mary Thieffels is involved with it, it's art. If not, it's illegal and ugly graffiti.
GoNavy
Wed, Jun 26, 2013 : 6:29 p.m.
I can only imagine that this young man will become a net burden to society over time. We all did stupid things at 15. However, the clear level of wanton disregard for society's rules displayed by this individual (and evidenced by his plea of "guilty" to 28 charges) indicate to me that he has no respect for his community or its residents.
M-Wolverine
Sat, Jun 29, 2013 : 8:38 p.m.
I'd take that bet. And the criminal justice system may be about rehabilitation, but the civil justice system is about making the victim whole again. Crimes happen without my permission, yes. We hope they're caught and punished. (As you apparently never were.)
Jaime Magiera
Thu, Jun 27, 2013 : 8:52 p.m.
M-Wolverine, see above.
Jaime Magiera
Thu, Jun 27, 2013 : 8:51 p.m.
Usual, our justice system is (theoretically) not just about vengeance and paybacks. It's also about trying to direct those who are convicted of crimes to more productive choices. As such, the experience of the positive aspects of graffiti is very relevant. It shows a path where this young man can be directed. Also, again, not all art happens with your permission... and I'm willing to bet that not every person/entity who had an object tagged feels this young man should have to pay for every single instance or have to do excessive penance.
M-Wolverine
Thu, Jun 27, 2013 : 2:35 p.m.
Jaime, do you have any experience paying people back for the damage done to their property, or cleaning up the damage done by you or others? That seems like the only relevant experience.
Usual Suspect
Thu, Jun 27, 2013 : 12:45 p.m.
That's all nice and enlightened and deep and everything. However, like I've said before, these kids have no interest in art. They are vandals - they want to destroy things, not create art. What they did is no different than swinging a sledge hammer. Also, nowhere in there do you mention the difference between performing this activity with permission an without it. That is what this is about. Nobody is against them doing anything, whether it be tagging like a dog making it's mark on a fire hydrant, or some sort of artistic work - WITH permission. Their crimes had to do with destruction of private and public property. Tell me, if we were to let these kids off by letting them paint something, how does that help the people - including Ann Arbor citizens - who have to spend thousands of dollars repairing the destruction they caused?
Jaime Magiera
Thu, Jun 27, 2013 : 3:28 a.m.
I have no connection to the individual that I know of. What I do have a connection to is the following: Experience growing up in an industrial area where graffiti was an experiment by many young people. Experience being a young person who tried all different ways of communicating with the outside world to express myself. Experience with the juvenile legal system. Experience collecting and studying books on graffiti. Experience going to conferences where graffiti was detailed as a an artform with significant impact in social and political contexts. Experience spending time in Caracas, where a huge graffiti culture has had significant impact in social and political contexts. Experience interviewing people involved with a government project that included funding street art. All in all, I'm connected to the idea that this young man, like all people, has potential as a human being. In particular, potential to contribute to a dynamic and vibrant environment in our city. Labeling him and trying to set an example of him would be counter productive for everyone involved.
Usual Suspect
Thu, Jun 27, 2013 : 2:31 a.m.
Jaime, wat is your connection to this individual? You are obviously here to do public relations work for him.
Jaime Magiera
Thu, Jun 27, 2013 : 1:45 a.m.
Right, which is what some people don't see here. Aside from the problem of stereotyping, if we immediately categorize this young man as an evil criminal and punish him to extremes, we run the risk of boxing him in as a criminal for the rest of his life. It's a self-fulfilling situation observed often in the system.
Barb
Wed, Jun 26, 2013 : 8:52 p.m.
Wow, GN - that's lovely. Write him off at 15. Nice.
Jaime Magiera
Wed, Jun 26, 2013 : 7:47 p.m.
You imagine all kinds of stuff... including what you think is going on in someone else's head. The fact that he carried out a high amount of tagging (which again, is something many kids in urban/industrial cities try) is not indicative of much without further evidence.
Just_Six
Wed, Jun 26, 2013 : 6:24 p.m.
As you drive west on Eisenhower, pay attention to the State Street sign as you go through that intersection. Someone has obliterated some of the letters so that the sign says "S A E S." He was really busy!
Dirty Mouth
Wed, Jun 26, 2013 : 5:43 p.m.
SAES tag spotted yesterday on the (silver) switch box next to the railroad tracks crossing Summit. Just saying.
Hmm
Thu, Jun 27, 2013 : 6:35 p.m.
There's SAES all over the place. On dumpsters, light boxes, everywhere. Say what you want about his tagging, but that little cretin was prolific if nothing else
Usual Suspect
Wed, Jun 26, 2013 : 5:22 p.m.
Hopefully this kid's Community Service won't be to do some legal graffiti, like the troublemaker last year was allowed to do. That doesn't exactly get the point across.
Jaime Magiera
Wed, Jun 26, 2013 : 7:45 p.m.
GoNavy, the amount of energy it takes to purchase and cary a can with oneself and perform such tagging is an indication of energy. That energy can be directed towards higher quality creations.
GoNavy
Wed, Jun 26, 2013 : 6:31 p.m.
@Jaime Magiera- There's absolutely NO indication that this individual has any inclinations towards productive artistry. Tagging "SAES" at random locations is not art, it's destruction of property (charges the individual plead guilty to, by the way).
Jaime Magiera
Wed, Jun 26, 2013 : 5:40 p.m.
What is the point? Legal graffiti is good. There's nothing wrong with the young man learning that there are outlets for his art form that can minimize any negative effects on others, while adding some vibrancy to our city.
nickcarraweigh
Wed, Jun 26, 2013 : 5:08 p.m.
I'm no psychiatrist, but a comfortable armchair is important to me, and I'd say the young fellow should have an eye or two kept on him for a while.
Usual Suspect
Thu, Jun 27, 2013 : 5:26 p.m.
"I spent my early years in the Downriver and Detroit area. Many kids experiment with graffiti. It's part of growing up in those environs." So that makes it OK to damage other people's property to the tune of thousands of dollars?
Usual Suspect
Thu, Jun 27, 2013 : 5:24 p.m.
Jaime, read through the previous articles. He was most certainly supposed to be at home or school. Those were the terms of his house arrest, and there was enough reason to be concerned that he would violate it that he was given a GPS tether. Following that, on the very next school day, he ran off from school. That's what most people call, "not where he was supposed to be."
Jaime Magiera
Thu, Jun 27, 2013 : 1:39 a.m.
a2citizen, I'm sorry, what was your experience again, other than armchair pundit?
a2citizen
Wed, Jun 26, 2013 : 9:20 p.m.
Great...stories from another suburbanite that never lived in Detroit.
Jaime Magiera
Wed, Jun 26, 2013 : 7:55 p.m.
TryingToBeObjective, where is your evidence that he was "supposed to be in school or at home"? I can't help but think that your assumptions about his required physical location indicates a larger oversimplification over "juvenile delinquents". In other words, just a lot of stereotyping. In terms of what other kids do, I spent my early years in the Downriver and Detroit area. Many kids experiment with graffiti. It's part of growing up in those environs.
TryingToBeObjective
Wed, Jun 26, 2013 : 7:46 p.m.
"Overboard" is putting it mildly. " many urban kids do this"- who? I certainly wouldn't say it's okay to do because "many urban kids do it." The majority of kids do not do this. It's destruction of property. Try telling all of the business owners who are out thousands of dollars for painting and repainting over the DAMAGED exterior of their businesses that "he isn't hurt anyone directly." Yes he did hurt plenty. Money doesn't grow on trees. And the FACT that he didn't stop when told to do so, going out and further vandalizing when he was supposed to be at home or at school speaks to his "ill-intent."
Jaime Magiera
Wed, Jun 26, 2013 : 5:38 p.m.
That's a creepy thing to say. This kid spray painted a logo. He didn't hurt anyone directly. He went overboard on something that many urban kids do as part of growing up. Stop treating this young man as if he has some sort of sickness or ill-intent.
DBH
Wed, Jun 26, 2013 : 4:43 p.m.
I would have appreciated it if the judge had tried to elicit from this boy the reason why he did what he now admits to having done.
shell1971
Wed, Jun 26, 2013 : 4:39 p.m.
Throwing the book at these kids is not the answer. I know from my own son. He got in trouble for graffiti as well. He is currently paying (on his own at 17 ) $35,000 in restitution. The judge in his case (It was in PA not MI) took away some of the community service hours and had him sign up for several art shows. My son graduated a year early and is starting art school this winter. Sometimes these kids need a push to use their YOUNG creative minds in positive way. I am in NO WAY excusing any of this!!!
M-Wolverine
Sat, Jun 29, 2013 : 8:34 p.m.
Shell1971' I was responding to Jaime. If you had read all the comments you'd have seen that. It directly responds to what he said. But I hope you don't have any more criminals in your household.
croused
Fri, Jun 28, 2013 : 5:45 p.m.
Shell1971 - this kid or his parents need to pay for the damage he has done all over the city.
shell1971
Thu, Jun 27, 2013 : 4:44 p.m.
M-Wolverine, You obviously did not read what all I said !!! I never said there is an excuse for what he did or condone it. So you say come put graffiti where I live .....GROW UP. tit for tat doesn't solve anything, which was my point of being positive.
M-Wolverine
Thu, Jun 27, 2013 : 2:31 p.m.
Graffiti on approved property is art. On someone else's prperty it's vandalism. Still waiting to expand the culture of the artform to your walls without your permission....home address?
Jaime Magiera
Wed, Jun 26, 2013 : 5:35 p.m.
Good thoughts shell1971. Usual Suspect, no one is being fooled. Some of us are well-read on graffiti as an art form. In fact, I've attended conferences where graffiti artists teach their trade and its history. You may not like/appreciate the art, but you can't dismiss it. The history of graffiti as an important aspect to culture which dates back literally thousands of years. If you would like some reading sources to learn about the art form, I can provide some suggestions.
Arboriginal
Wed, Jun 26, 2013 : 5:33 p.m.
Usual Suspect can see into their minds! Oooooooo...
shell1971
Wed, Jun 26, 2013 : 5:27 p.m.
I have seen their tag I know its not pretty , to them it is an art form. Can you say that you look at all forms of art and like and appreciate it ? I also know many of these kids as my son went to school here for 4 years and I grew up in Ann Arbor. I just think a push in the right direction can help. Not for all kids but most. Maybe so positive feed back for once. Again I do not condone this at all !!! If it was up to me my son would be out there sweating every single scrubbing the walls.
Usual Suspect
Wed, Jun 26, 2013 : 4:49 p.m.
You're fooling yourself. The kids in this case do not have "creative minds." They are vandals. We are not talking about beautiful artwork, we're talking about leaving their mark like dogs. They are not interested in creating anything, they are only interested in destroying things.
a2cents
Wed, Jun 26, 2013 : 4:37 p.m.
4th & washington, 12 stories on s. side at top of fire escape ladder... (wait for it) saes
nickcarraweigh
Wed, Jun 26, 2013 : 5:04 p.m.
Probably counterfeit
Mark
Wed, Jun 26, 2013 : 4:36 p.m.
Just a few days ago, there were two groups of kids on either side of Washington between the YMCA and First Street painting graffiti on the railroad underpass. They were calm and fully equipped with spray paint and a video camera. We called AAPD and reported this as we went into the YMCA to work out. Roughly one hour later when we left, the same kids were still painting--seemingly as calm as before. Is this a legal graffiti zone?
Hmm
Thu, Jun 27, 2013 : 6:33 p.m.
The art that they painted under the underpass looks GREAT. Much better than what were previously there, which included a big SAES tag. Nothing wrong with good graffiti when it's done by someone with talent and it's not in an intrusive place like the front of a building. Tags are not art they are vandalism, graffiti paintings are artwork, the true spirit of public art actually
Mark
Thu, Jun 27, 2013 : 3:25 p.m.
Thanks for the info A2City and Barb. I didn't know about Neural Zone. Indeed, at the lower right of the underpass on the north side of the street, NZ is painted.
M-Wolverine
Thu, Jun 27, 2013 : 2:28 p.m.
Jaime, we're talking about your property vs. someone else's property. The overpass doesn't belong to the tagger. So if it's ok to do it on someone else's property, what was your address again?
Jojo B
Thu, Jun 27, 2013 : 1:49 a.m.
P.S. There is a big different between somebody who tags SAES on private property knowing full well it will upset the owner and somebody who spends days working on a mural in a public spot like a railroad underpass with the intent of having others view and (hopefully) appreciate their work, especially if they have the blessings of property owners.
Jojo B
Thu, Jun 27, 2013 : 1:44 a.m.
Sorry, but there actually is a difference. Graffiti or tagging is more easily defined as vandalism. Somebody makes a simple tag or signature over and over again to mark their territory and impress their friends. Not much thought given to it. Street art actually has some thought to it; the creator is trying to say something and yes often enough, work is sanctioned and even commissioned. If you don't know what street art is, may I suggest you Google the Grand River Creative Corridor in Detroit and look up artists like Sintex. They are not vandals like the idiots around here. Ann Arbor doesn't know what street art is.
Jaime Magiera
Wed, Jun 26, 2013 : 7:42 p.m.
JoJo, art doesn't necessarily require approval. It just is. Street art and graffiti are one in the same, because they are in the eye of the beholder.
Jojo B
Wed, Jun 26, 2013 : 7:01 p.m.
What a wonderful point for a good discussion on "street art" vs. "graffiti." Some people don't seem to know the difference between a vandal's tag spray-painted on their garage door and a thought-out art project that has approval in a public space. Bravo.
Dave
Wed, Jun 26, 2013 : 6:55 p.m.
Sounds like a solution to the costly art the city wants to put in.
pegret
Wed, Jun 26, 2013 : 6:31 p.m.
So if Mary Thieffels is overseeing it, graffiti is ok, but don't you dare do it on your own. Sounds like a major mixed message to me.
shell1971
Wed, Jun 26, 2013 : 6:10 p.m.
I am just curious if all of grew up in Ann Arbor ?? I am almost 42 and I can tell you as long as I can remember there has been so form of graffiti or art work all of the place...
Jaime Magiera
Wed, Jun 26, 2013 : 5:58 p.m.
We're not talking about a house Mark. We're talking about an cement underpass, remember?
M
Wed, Jun 26, 2013 : 5:49 p.m.
@Jaime - Cool, give me your address. I've got some deep thoughts I've wanted to share, and it sounds like it's cool if I put them on your house.
Jaime Magiera
Wed, Jun 26, 2013 : 5:32 p.m.
I doubt graffiti on a cement underpass is going to ruin civilization. It won't do much of anything except give people something to look at and possibly think about.
Billy
Wed, Jun 26, 2013 : 5:07 p.m.
It COULD be...I know the city has allowed pre-approved artwork to be put up there before. If they got permission to do it then it would have been perfectly legal. IF....
Barb
Wed, Jun 26, 2013 : 4:52 p.m.
http://annarborchronicle.com/2013/06/24/first-washington-32/
A2City
Wed, Jun 26, 2013 : 4:51 p.m.
Neural Zone is doing an art project over in that area. May be what you were seeing.
a2citizen
Wed, Jun 26, 2013 : 4:33 p.m.
True conversation with my eight-year old. "Daddy, where can I get a job for the summer?" "You are too young. It's illegal for someone your age to have a job?" "It's illegal for someone my age to have a job !?!?" "Yes" "Why is graffiti legal but having a job illegal?" "Graffiti is illegal." "Graffiti is illegal??!? Then why is it everywhere in Ann Arbor!?!?" Hopefully, this ends the saga and I never have to have another conversation like that with my eight-year old.
Jaime Magiera
Thu, Jun 27, 2013 : 1:30 a.m.
Here's an idea, have the young child actually talk to the person who's panhandling in Liberty Plaza. They will learn. They will learn that sometimes people are down on their luck. They might also learned that even panhandlers have fascinating stories about their lives and the things that they've done. They will learn that panhandlers are just people and not a threat to our beings
Dirty Mouth
Wed, Jun 26, 2013 : 5:40 p.m.
It's hard to teach kids right from wrong in this town when it comes to: 1. Taking other people's property (eminent domain). 2. Preserving and learning about the history of our city (DeParry & University of Michigan) 3. Respecting others (Liberty Plaza, agressive panhandlers) 4. Graffiti (soft courts, weak laws)
grye
Wed, Jun 26, 2013 : 4:28 p.m.
Is that 28 buildings? I think I saw the tag at least 28 times on 1 building.. Need to throw the book at this kid for his unrelenting desire to destroy other's property.
DonBee
Wed, Jun 26, 2013 : 4:02 p.m.
I hope this will serve as a wake up call for this young person. I suspect they have a lot of drive, given the level of activity. If they can turn it to good, it might mean something special - maybe a cure for cancer or a new energy source. One can hope. I also hope that the word gets out to others that this will not be tolerated in the community, so they think twice before "tagging" things. Now comes the long, expensive clean up from the tagging of these two and I suspect several others. I feel for the building owners who have to undertake this effort.
Usual Suspect
Wed, Jun 26, 2013 : 3:56 p.m.
I'm hoping other changes are made in his life.... that another person will recognize there has been some lack of responsibility.
Arboriginal
Wed, Jun 26, 2013 : 6:20 p.m.
Yeah, let's talk about the parents....that you know....online. Classy.
seldon
Wed, Jun 26, 2013 : 3:49 p.m.
Who pays to clean all of his droppings up?
seldon
Wed, Jun 26, 2013 : 10:31 p.m.
I somehow did miss that. Oops.
Are you serious?
Wed, Jun 26, 2013 : 9:08 p.m.
You probably should read the entire article. Did you miss this: "New reports are still being filed, but the Washtenaw County Prosecutor's Office agreed to not file petitions against SAES in those cases. However, he will still be responsible for the restitution from those cases."
seldon
Wed, Jun 26, 2013 : 5:51 p.m.
I understand what restitution means. But he's only being charged with some of the instances of vandalism he committed. A quick walk around downtown Ann Arbor alone will show you more than 28 SAES taggings. Does that mean he's only paying to fix those, and everyone else is out of luck?
zigziggityzoo
Wed, Jun 26, 2013 : 4:33 p.m.
That's what restitution is.