Three teens charged in graffiti spree

Three suspected graffiti artists who allegedly defaced walls and buildings throughout Cape Girardeau calling themselves "Ninja," "Kite" and "Renegade" were busted Nov. 26 and charged with property damage.

Cody J. Jones, 18, of 336 N. Sprigg St., allegedly "Renegade," Justin L. Nelson, 17, of 314 N. Fountain St., allegedly "Ninja," and Timothy M. Barak-Barani, 17, of 1327 Bloomfield St., allegedly "Kite," are each charged with five counts of property damage.

Jones told police he'd spent the night of Nov. 3 into the morning of Nov. 4 walking around Town Plaza, Christine and Good Hope streets with Nelson and Barak-Barani, according to a probable-cause statement signed by officer Richard K. Couch.

He admitted to spray painting the words "self-made renegade," "CJ" and "Imagine," on several buildings in addition to phrases like "bombs are not the answer," and "though they will search, they will never find us."

"They must find it difficult, those who accept authority as the truth, rather than truth as the authority" was another of the socially charged phrases defacing private and city property.

Bosak-Barani and Nelson made similar statements to police admitting their part in the wave of graffiti, the sworn statement said.

All three were issued summonses in connection with the crimes.

Arraignment was set for 1 p.m. Jan. 7 at the Cape Girardeau County Courthouse.

bdicosmo@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 245