LOS ANGELES - An Alhambra man accused of being a prolific tagger who has painted cat figures on freeways and buildings in downtown Los Angeles was charged with six felony vandalism counts last week.Rick Ordonez, 33, whose moniker is "Atlas," is in custody after he was arrested June 30 by the Sheriff's Transit Services Bureau. Most of the graffiti was plastered on state and local transit property. The criminal complaint alleged the crimes occurred between January and March of this year. Victims were listed as the California Department of Transportation and the Metropolitan Transit Authority. Loss was estimated only as more than $400 per count. When Ordonez was arrested, however, authorities estimated the damage at more than $15,000. Bail was recommended at $50,000 and Ordonez has remained in custody since his arrest. If convicted, he faces a maximum of six years and four months in state prison, along with suspension of his California driver's license.

********** Published: July 8, 2010 - Volume 9 - Issue 12