Gwinnett Daily Post

Photo by Brian Giandelone

LAWRENCEVILLE -- Officials say more charges could come for four Snellville men arrested in connection with a graffiti spree in downtown Lawrenceville.

Sgt. Brad Grove with Lawrenceville Police said at least 26 properties and vehicles were "tagged" by the men, who "were seeking free publicity" for their punk rock band.

The men were charged with two felony counts each of criminal damage to property, and Grove said there could be more charges on the way.

"We're still in the process of getting a good, accurate count of all the businesses and property damage involved," Grove said. "There could be more charges pending."

Grove said it wasn't hard to track down the alleged vandals. The graffiti was the name of their band.

"Some Google searches revealed that it was a local band out of Snellville."

Grove said after further investigation police "were able to pinpoint at least one of the names associated with the group. We went to Snellville and picked him up."

The band member confessed to the vandalism, which took place on the evening of June 29, and revealed the names of three others involved in the spray-painting spree, Grove said.

Band members Raymond Jacques, Christopher Farrow and Xavier Walker were arrested as well as a fourth participant, Tony Zjalic.

They were booked in the Gwinnett County Jail and released July 1 each on $10,000 bonds.

He said because the cost of damages exceeded $500, the men were charged with felonies.

"They were all pretty cooperative in the interviews," Grove said. "They told us the whole incident happened over a three-hour period in the middle of the night."

Added Grove: "Basically, they wanted free advertising and got caught up in the moment. They admitted to doing wrong and confessed."

Any other businesses who may have been affected by the graffiti that haven't yet talked with police should call Grove at 770-670-5013.