Three people who work for law enforcement offices in Ventura County, California, have been cited after video showed a Black Lives Matter sign being vandalized in Thousand Oaks, according to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities say the sign sat on a homeowner’s fence and was damaged and removed several times in June. Homeowner Andy said he installed a surveillance camera after the banner was first torn down. The footage showed several people targeting the sign, and he shared it on social media. He told CNN his son, a college student, made the banner to support the movement.
The sheriff’s office identified the three as Darrin, a service technician with the department, Craig, an investigative assistant with the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, and Jeffrey, who was identified through his company vehicle. Each was cited for misdemeanor vandalism, according to authorities.
Darrin was reportedly recognized on video slashing the sign on June 13 and June 19. The sheriff’s office says he was off duty at the time and has been placed on paid administrative leave. Sheriff Bill Ayub said in a statement that he was deeply disappointed and that the department will not tolerate unlawful behavior by its employees.
Craig was seen on camera cutting down the sign before noticing the camera and leaving. The District Attorney’s office said he had worked there about four months, that his citation would be referred to the Attorney General’s Office, and that he has resigned.
The sheriff’s office says Jeffrey allegedly vandalized the sign on June 11.
Andy said the incident turned out to be a hard lesson for his family. Ironically, he said, the attempts to take the sign down only gave it more attention.
Paid administrative leave…yet they don’t tolerate that behavior.