The Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s department have announced the arrests of two well-known graffiti taggers. Aldo and Francisco Montoya, whose tags are “ALDOE” and “RUSIA” respectively, were arrested on Jan. 13, and are believed to be responsible for damage and losses estimated in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Detectives released three photos of vandalism allegedly attributed to the taggers, including graffiti on a Clear Channel billboard located in the Fairfax District, as well as downtown Los Angeles.

“Anyone familiar with downtown Los Angeles will recognize these tags,” said Lt. Paul Vernon, head of detectives for LAPD’s Central Division.  “We believe that these vandals have cost the public and businesses thousands of dollars.”

After first serving a search warrant at the brothers’ parent’s home in Norwalk, detectives found and arrested Aldo Montoya at a home in South Gate. Francisco Montoya was taken into custody in Long Beach. During the arrests, detectives found hundreds of spray tips, along with paint cans and sketch books displaying their markings. Also seized were several hundred ecstasy pills and an undisclosed amount of marijuana.

Detectives released photos of the vandalism allegedly created by the taggers. (photo courtesy of the LAPD)

The Montoya brothers, both 26 years old, are part of a larger tagging crew called On the Run, or OTR.  Francisco Montoya was also booked for possession for sale of ecstasy. Aldo Montoya was additionally booked for possession for sale of marijuana. Both brothers were already on probation for prior vandalism convictions.