HANOVER — Several individuals, including juveniles, have been charged in connection with a widespread graffiti vandalism case that police say caused an estimated $500,000 in damage across Hanover Township over the past several years.
The Hanover Township Police Department announced the charges on Monday, noting that graffiti was discovered on buildings, businesses, public property, railroad property, bridges, and other locations throughout the township.
Investigators linked the suspects to multiple graffiti “tags,” including GMAIL, SCATE, CHEAK, TEDY, BILLY THE KID, BANDIT, GAZZY, and DOVE, among others. Damage estimates attributed to the individuals range from under $100 to several hundred thousand dollars.
The most significant portion of the damage—approximately $300,000—was tied to two juveniles accused of tagging under the names GMAIL, GMAIL8, SCATE, and SCATE5. Both face multiple counts of criminal mischief, conspiracy, trespassing, and promotion of organized street crime.
Other individuals charged include:
- Peter Runge, 28, Sarasota, FL — accused of tagging CHEAK ($2,000 damage)
- Dennis Melendez, 21, Morristown — tagged as BILLY THE KID ($700 damage)
- Christopher Escobar, 25, Montclair — tagged as DOVE and DOVE6 ($54,000 damage)
- Alexa Lipke, 30, Somerville — tagged as INKI ($1,000 damage)
- Marco Dapaz, 33, Elizabeth — tagged as EVOL ($5,400 damage)
- Kenneth Tharaldsen Jr., 33, Deptford — tagged as SUCIO ($5,400 damage)
- Omar Carrillo, 22, Morristown — tagged as ZEX and ZENOTT ($600 damage)
- Danny Mazariegos, 18, Morristown — tagged as GAZZY ($5,000 damage)
- Several others linked to graffiti in Morristown, each with estimated damages of $800
Hanover police said that identifying and charging suspects provides victims with the opportunity to pursue restitution for repair costs.
“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.
Residents and business owners who have been victims of graffiti vandalism are encouraged to report incidents by calling (973) 428-2512.
Editor’s Note: The court’s rules require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and/or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
