By Redaccion
redaccion@latinocc.com
The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced today that John Williams (DOB 03/04/93), of Ventura, has been charged with six felony counts and three misdemeanors in connection with vandalism involving swastikas on public and private property.
Williams is charged with three felony counts of vandalism for damage exceeding $400, three felony hate crime counts of placing a terrorizing symbol on private property, two misdemeanor counts of vandalism, and one misdemeanor count of possession of a stun gun by a convicted felon. He also faces special allegations for committing the crimes while on parole and having a prior strike conviction.
“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,” said District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. “We will aggressively prosecute the defendant to ensure accountability and uphold public safety.”
On March 30, 2025, Ventura police officers responded to a report from a business regarding graffiti on their property. A swastika and the words “VC Pride” were tagged on a wall. As officers investigated, they received four additional reports of similar graffiti found on both public and private properties in Ventura. Williams is seen on surveillance footage at two of the locations around the time the vandalism is believed to have taken place.
Officers located Williams and uncovered evidence connecting him to the vandalism. A further review of his social media activity revealed that he had been documenting graffiti at one location and posted images online while implying that someone else was responsible.
Senior Deputy District Attorney Hayley Moyer, a member of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Major Crimes Unit, is prosecuting the case.
Williams was arraigned on April 2, 2025, and pleaded not guilty to all charges. His early disposition conference is set for April 11, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. in courtroom 12 of the Ventura County Superior Court. He remains in custody with bail set at $250,000.
