By Redaccion
[email protected]
A Thousand Oaks resident has been charged with felony vandalism and a hate crime, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced Thursday.
Johann Bernhardt Patrick, 18, faces one felony count of vandalism and one misdemeanor count of a hate crime, with an additional special allegation that the crime was committed with an accomplice. Patrick pleaded not guilty at his arraignment on Oct. 17.
The charges stem from an incident on Oct. 14, when deputies from the Thousand Oaks Patrol responded to a report of graffiti vandalism on the side of a commercial building. The vandalism included hate speech and symbols targeting protected groups.
Surveillance footage captured two suspects at the scene, and detectives were able to identify them and their vehicle. Patrick was arrested in Thousand Oaks on Oct. 15, and a search of his home uncovered further evidence. Authorities confirmed that the second individual captured on video was also taken into custody. Prosecutors are reviewing the case as it develops.
Deputy District Attorney Hayley Moyer, a member of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Major Crimes Gangs Unit, is handling the prosecution.
Patrick is scheduled to appear in court for an early disposition hearing on Oct. 28 in courtroom 11 of Ventura County Superior Court. A preliminary hearing has also been set for Oct. 30.
Patrick remains in custody, with bail set at $5,000.
