HANOVER TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Morris County) — Several individuals, including juveniles, have been charged in connection with widespread graffiti vandalism that police say caused roughly $500,000 in damage across Hanover Township over the past several years.
The Hanover Township Police Department announced the charges Monday, saying the graffiti was found on buildings, businesses, public property, railroad property, bridges and other locations throughout the township.
Police said the suspects are linked to a variety of “tag” names, including “GMAIL,” “SCATE,” “CHEAK,” “TEDY,” “BILLY THE KID,” “BANDIT,” “GAZZY,” “DOVE,” and others. Damage estimates tied to the individuals range from less than $100 to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The largest share of damage — about $300,000 — is connected to two juveniles accused of tagging under the names “GMAIL,” “GMAIL8,” “SCATE,” and “SCATE5.” They face multiple counts of criminal mischief, conspiracy, trespassing and promotion of organized street crime, police said.
Other defendants include:
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Peter Runge, 28, of Sarasota, Florida, accused of tagging “CHEAK” ($2,000 damage).
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Dennis Melendez, 21, of Morristown, tagged as “BILLY THE KID” ($700 damage).
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Christopher Escobar, 25, of Montclair, tagged as “DOVE” and “DOVE6” ($54,000 damage).
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Alexa Lipke, 30, of Somerville, tagged as “INKI” ($1,000 damage).
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Marco Dapaz, 33, of Elizabeth, tagged as “EVOL” ($5,400 damage).
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Kenneth Tharaldsen Jr., 33, of Deptford, tagged as “SUCIO” ($5,400 damage).
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Omar Carrillo, 22, of Morristown, tagged as “ZEX” and “ZENOTT” ($600 damage).
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Danny Mazariegos, 18, of Morristown, tagged as “GAZZY” ($5,000 damage).
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Several others linked to miscellaneous graffiti in Morristown, each with estimated damages of $800.
Hanover Township police said identifying and charging suspects allows victims to pursue restitution to repair the damage.
“We hope these investigations demonstrate our commitment to solving crimes in our jurisdiction and serve as a deterrent for those who wish to cause damage,” the department said in a statement.
Police urged Hanover residents and business owners who have been victims of graffiti to call 973-428-2512 to report incidents.
