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Officials draw up felony charge for suspect in graffiti case

Tarpon Springs police arrest a Pasco teen who told investigators "this is my art." Businesses on Tarpon Avenue were struck.

By TAMARA EL-KHOURY
Published November 30, 2005

TARPON SPRINGS - After his arrest earlier this month, Zachary R. Wimberly tried to explain what was behind a monthlong graffiti spree, police said.

"This is my art," the Port Richey 18-year-old told investigators. "Ma'am, how much do you really think it costs to repair these buildings?"

Apparently, more than $10,000, say police, who Tuesday arrested Wimberly on a felony charge.

Tarpon Springs police say Wimberly, of 7614 Farmlawn Drive, admitted to defacing the private property of 13 businesses on Tarpon Avenue starting in late September.

After his Nov. 2 arrest behind Mr. Bill's Donut & Deli, Wimberly admitted to signing his graffiti, "FALT" which he said stands for song lyrics, "Fully Animated Life Tree," said police spokesman Sgt. Jeffrey P. Young.

That day, police also found stencils in a bag belonging to Wimberly that matched the graffiti marked on some downtown businesses.

Wimberly initially was charged with misdemeanor criminal mischief. Charges weren't filed at the time for the downtown vandalism because officers were still gathering evidence and assessing the value of damages, Young said.

But during his arraignment Tuesday, Officer Sue Gorman and Detective Scott Brockew arrested Wimberly on the charge of criminal mischief over $1,000, a third-degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison, Young said. He was being held Tuesday night at the Pinellas County Jail in lieu of $5,000 bail.

[Last modified November 30, 2005, 02:15:38]