A Ventura man received a prison sentence of more than five years after pleading guilty to multiple charges, including felony vandalism and hate crimes. John Williams, born March 4, 1993, admitted to tagging swastikas and other terrorizing symbols on properties throughout Ventura, according to District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. Williams was sentenced on September 17, following his guilty plea on August 19.
Williams committed the offenses while on parole and with a prior strike conviction, triggering additional allegations for re-offending under state supervision. “This sentence delivers accountability to the defendant and affirms that Ventura County will not tolerate hate-driven crimes against our residents and neighborhoods,” Nasarenko said. Williams also has prior convictions for possession of a stun gun by a felon and vandalism while on parole.
The investigation began after Ventura police responded to graffiti reports at a local business on March 30, 2025. Surveillance footage implicated Williams in subsequent vandalism on both public and private properties. Officers located and arrested him after linking him to the crimes through video evidence and his social media accounts.
Victims told the court that Williams’ actions intentionally spread fear in the community. One victim said his acts were “not mere vandalism, but an attack on the safety and unity our community strives to maintain,” according to the District Attorney’s Office. Senior Deputy District Attorney Hayley Moyer from the Major Crimes Unit led the prosecution. The conviction underscores Ventura’s commitment to holding perpetrators of hate crimes accountable.
Leave a Reply