Tucson Businessman Sentenced for Vandalism to Ex-Client’s Home
Article from AZ Central
“Todd Russell Fries, a Tucson businessman was sentenced Friday to 12 1/2 years in prison for his involvement vandalizing a former client’s home multiple times with spray paint and various chemicals, officials said. A federal grand jury found Fries guilty of unlawful possession of a chemical weapon and providing false information to the FBI, authorities said. Fries, 49, was accused of vandalizing the home after the owners wouldn’t pay him the final $200 installment of a work his company did. The homeowners hired Fries, also known as Todd Burns, and his employees to work on their driveway, according to the United States Attorney’s Office. Fries, the owner of Burns Power Washing, completed the work but the family was not happy with the quality and canceled the check, officials said.
On Nov. 1, 2008 after the cancellation of the check, the family found that motor oil, paint, grease, feces, dead animals, and foam packing peanuts were spread all over the driveway and up to the front door, the attorney’s office said. The home was spray painted with swastikas and slurs, and the garage door was sealed shut with adhesive, authorities said. After the incident, the family moved to a gated community, officials said. On Aug. 2, 2009, their neighborhood was evacuated after a white cloud containing chlorine engulfed the area, the attorney’s office said. Detectives found burning debris emitting gas in the front and back of the home, as well as a combination of paint, motor oil and foam peanuts spread on the driveway. The windows, front door and garage were all sealed with a foam expanding seal, in addition to dead animals and gang graffiti covering the front of the house, officials said. Investigators said they linked the items found at the scenes of both attacks to Fries.”
Vandalism and graffiti charges are classified as criminal damage in Arizona. Depending on the value of the property damaged, criminal damage charges can be classified as a felony or as a misdemeanor. Regardless of the severity of vandalism, involving an attorney is essential when seeking to reduce or eliminate the charges against you. Call 602-663-9873 to schedule your free anytime, anywhere consultation with Mesa vandalism attorney Charlie Naegle. When you hire the Naegle & Crider Criminal Defense Attorneys, you work directly with Charlie Naegle.