The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office announced on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024 the filing of 34 felony vandalism charges against 17 defendants in connection with a series of “tagging” incidents that caused nearly $100,000 in damages across the county.

The charges are the result of a months-long investigation involving collaboration between the Seattle City Attorney’s Office, Seattle Police, King County Sheriff’s Office, and Washington State Patrol.

Officials say the acts of vandalism harmed both public and private property, leaving local businesses and taxpayers to bear the cost of the damage.

“We want business owners and taxpayers who have been hurt by this to know that we hear that you have been harmed and that we are taking action,” King County Prosecuting Attorney Leesa Manion said. “We want people to feel safe in their communities. We want businesses to stay and thrive in Seattle and all parts of King County. As King County Prosecuting Attorney, I want residents to know that laws are being appropriately enforced and that we are seeking accountability for harmful felony criminal behavior.”

The estimated damages include thousands of dollars in costs to local businesses and residents. In Seattle, public graffiti remediation alone costs more than $6 million annually, with additional millions spent by private property owners.

Graffiti in Burien

In the City of Burien, property owners are responsible for removing graffiti on their properties, with assistance available through the city’s free TAG program for commercial properties, offering free removal services via Recology for eligible businesses. Residential and commercial property owners must remove graffiti within five business days of receiving a city-issued notice or face potential penalties pursuant to Burien Municipal Code 8.55. The city also provides free paint and applicators for affected property owners to expedite cleanup efforts. Residents are encouraged to report graffiti promptly to prevent repeat incidents.

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell called tagging “unlawful and destructive behavior” and emphasized the importance of holding offenders accountable. “We are working together to make our communities safer, cleaner, and more welcoming to all,” Harrell said.

The Downtown Seattle Association (DSA) noted the impact of graffiti on the city’s image, with its Clean Team removing around 50,000 tags and stickers annually. DSA President Jon Scholes called the prosecutions “critical to sustaining a clean and welcoming environment.”

Belltown United Chair Tom Graff also applauded the effort, calling the damage to murals and urban spaces “real and unsustainable.”

King County prosecutors intend to seek restitution for damages caused by the defendants.

“These costs should not fall to taxpayers or property owners,” Manion said. “If someone is convicted of vandalizing property and causing damage, they should be held financially accountable.”

Seattle City Attorney Ann Davison, whose office will assist in prosecuting the cases, called property destruction “not a victimless crime.”

The coordinated effort represents a stronger accountability response to address the organized nature of the offenses, officials said.