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'M3OW' Graffiti Vandal Sentenced

'M3OW' Graffiti Vandal Sentenced

A police cruiser parked in front of the Police and Parking Services building.

Cal Poly Pomona has adjudicated one of the most extensive vandalism cases on campus. Police are wrapping up their investigation of graffiti attributed to "M3OW".

Timothy David Foster, 22, a former Cal Poly Pomona student, pleaded guilty to one count of vandalism on March 29 and will receive three years' probation and a $150 fine. In addition, a restitution hearing has been set for May 10 at Pomona Superior Court, and the amount is expected to be in the thousands to cover the cost of graffiti removal.

From Feb. 2, 2008 to July 4, 2009, the University Police Department investigated numerous cases of graffiti attributed to "M3OW," which included images of cats painted on walls, buildings, bus benches and stairwells. Police arrested Foster on Aug. 18, 2009, and the district attorney's office charged him with 12 counts of misdemeanor vandalism.

"The police department and judicial affairs worked very hard in this investigation. We take vandalism seriously and plan to recoup the costs of repairing the damages to the university," says Chief Michael Guerin.

Foster's student status at the university is pending and will be addressed at the conclusion of his court proceedings.

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