San Francisco, CA – San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced today that her office secured a conviction of Nile Washington (33), after a trial by jury for vandalizing a mural in SOMA, commissioned to deter graffiti vandalism in the neighborhood. Mr. Washington was convicted of vandalism with two priors (PC 594.7), and possession of graffiti tools (PC 594.2(a)).

“I would like to thank the jury for their service in this trial,” said District Attorney Brooke Jenkins. “My office takes these cases seriously and will do everything we can to ensure that all of our laws are enforced. Vandals take note – this behavior will not be tolerated or condoned in San Francisco.”

According to evidence and other testimony presented at trial, on May 30, 2024, in the middle of the night, a 911 caller reported a person, wearing all black and carrying a green bag, spray painting over a mural at 155 12th Street. Officers arrived and observed Mr. Washington spray painting on the mural. Officers attempted to detain Mr. Washington, but he fled from the officers on foot. Mr. Washington was detained after a two-block chase and was found with a bag containing three aerosol spray paint cans and wearing painter’s gloves.

Officers later inspected the graffiti and discovered that the spray paint was still wet and smelled like aerosol. The building owner commissioned the mural for $10,000 in an attempt to beautify the neighborhood and deter acts of vandalism. The extent of Mr. Washington’s graffiti completely destroyed the mural. Mr. Washington had been convicted of graffiti vandalism in Alameda County on three prior occasions before the current conviction.

The case against Mr. Washington was successfully prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Matt Donahue, with assistance from paralegal Sara Wong and IT support from Morris Moore and Leland Chan. Prosecutors were able to develop this case based on the San Francisco Police Department’s Southern Station’s response and investigation.

“It is essential to hold people accountable for destroying public art and private property in San Francisco,” said Assistant District Attorney Matt Donahue. “I encourage anyone who sees graffiti in San Francisco to report it immediately and thank the jury for their careful deliberation in this matter.”

Mr. Washington is currently out of custody. Sentencing is scheduled for June 23, 2025.

Court Numbers: 24009980

###