Two suspects charged in local graffiti cases Vandals accused in well-known 'Because' and 'MEDS' series BY MICHAEL ACKER Staff Writer MICHAEL ACKER A concrete barrier on Route 9 in Sayreville bears the marking of a graffiti artist who writes a variety of phrases that begin with the word "Because." Police charged a Sayreville man with committing the vandalism. SAYREVILLE - Police arrested two suspects who are believed to be responsible for spraying graffiti on properties across three counties. The two Sayreville residents, 22-yearold Michael Witkowski and 21-year-old Stephen Mesa, are suspected of writing graffiti in Middlesex, Monmouth and Union counties. Mesa, of Buttonwood Drive, allegedly went by the moniker of "MEDS," while Witkowski wrote "BECAUSE" with various accompanying sayings on public and private properties, according to police. The borough police department's Juvenile Aid Bureau ran the investigation that led to the arrests on March 27. Witkowski was charged with 14 counts of fourth-degree criminal mischief and 16 counts of criminal trespass, which police said is a disorderly persons offense. Mesa was charged with 11 counts of fourth-degree criminal mischief and 11 counts of fourth-degree criminal trespassing. MICHAEL ACKER Underneath an overpass on the southbound side of Route 9 in Sayreville, graffiti bears the word "MEDS." Police recently arrested a suspect believed to be responsible for several such markings in the area. Those charges are associated with instances in Sayreville, and are not related to similar markings found in other municipalities, according to Sayreville police. The fines associated with the criminal mischief charges range from $500 to $2,000 per offense. The fines for trespassing charges do not exceed $1,200 per offense. Graffiti has been a growing problem in Sayreville and the surrounding municipalities. The Sayreville Borough Council decided last year to purchase a $46,000 graffiti removal device known as the Farrow System, so that markings can be removed without damaging or altering the original surface of the property. Officials are also looking into installing cameras at borough parks where acts of vandalism have frequently occurred. Borough Councilman Stanley Drwal said municipal employees will be able to begin using the Farrow System equipment when they receive it in approximately two weeks. He noted that their ability to clean up the graffiti with the machine would help the town implement a long-term plan to address graffiti. The plan involves the work of police and code enforcement officials. "As soon as we receive it, we will work on any public property first and we will announce the comprehensive plan with other towns regarding graffiti," Drwal said.M ayor Kennedy O'Brien commended the police department for its efforts in the investigation. "They and the governing body have worked hard to address issues surrounding quality of life throughout our neighborhoods," O'Brien said. Councilman Rory Zach, who chairs the council's Public Safety Committee, said police faced a significant challenge in trying to solve this case. "The general nature of this crime, with the ability [of suspects] to move quickly and quietly, puts law enforcement at a disadvantage," Zach said. "These successes showcase the ability and dedication of our police professionals, something I have known for a long time, to the general public." Council President Dennis Grobleny noted that the alleged acts of criminal mischief were committed over a wide area beyond Sayreville. "Our officers not only solved a problem that far too many of our residents have had to endure, but [they] may have led the charge on a more widespread issue affecting tens of thousands of people in their own communities," he said. The suspects were released from the Middlesex County Adult Correction Center, North Brunswick, after posting bail. Mesa's bail was $27,500 with no 10 percent option, and Witkowski's bail was $35,000 with no 10 percent option.