On April 30 the Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of criminal mischief on Cranebrook Drive in the Town of Aurelius. Deputies were called to the scene at 4:18 p.m. after multiple signs were reported defaced with spray paint.
Upon arrival, deputies encountered Joseph Trathen, 21, and Jessica Kowal, 18, both from Auburn, near the vandalized signs. Both individuals were found in possession of spray paint cans. Additionally, Kowal had fresh spray paint on her shirt and initially provided false identification information to the deputies, despite multiple warnings about potential additional charges.
Trathen was charged with two counts of Making Graffiti and one count of Possession of Graffiti Instruments, both misdemeanors. Kowal faced similar charges including Making Graffiti, Possession of Graffiti Instruments, and False Personation. They were both issued appearance tickets for a later court date. The sheriff’s office has encouraged anyone with further information to come forward.
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