2 people arrested for vandalism at Hollywood Hills graffiti mansion – NBC Los Angeles

Two people were arrested Wednesday in connection with vandalism at one of two abandoned Hollywood Hills mansions owned by the MLB team owner's son that became the target of taggers.

Officers assigned to a task force at one of the vandalized homes were on patrol outside the residence in the 7500 block of Mulholland Drive Wednesday morning when they received reports from residents about two vandals. Officers were told a man and a woman had just sprayed the property and left in a white Mercedes-Benz sedan.

Officers found the car nearby. Two people inside were arrested.

Spray cans and a loaded, unregistered firearm were found in a suspect's purse, police said. The suspects arrested Wednesday were identified by police as 35-year-old Jacob Smith, who was arrested on suspicion of vandalism, and 19-year-old Thomia Fagan, who was arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm in a vehicle.

Jail records did not show any initial court dates. It was not immediately clear whether they have lawyers.

The hillside home on Mulholland Drive overlooking Los Angeles is one of two homes owned by the son of the Philadelphia Phillies baseball team that have been abandoned for years. Neighbors said squatters moved in during that time and graffiti appeared on both villas this month. Some reported seeing people fleeing the sites with footstools, ladders, spray paint and other items.

There were dramatic changes in the condition of the Mulholland Drive property Thursday after city crews removed graffiti that had covered the multistory building earlier this week.

A Phillies spokesman confirmed that the properties are owned by John Powers Middleton and that there is no other family involvement.

Records show John Powers Middleton purchased the mansion on Mulholland Drive in 2012. Then, in October 2022, after it was deemed a nuisance, the LA Department of Building and Safety said Middleton needed to build a fence and secure the property. When he didn't, the city had to build the fence.

The four-story, six-bedroom villa with large pool sits on a hill overlooking Los Angeles with views to the east and south. All levels of the exterior facade and the roof of the house, built in 2003, were covered in graffiti. Many of the windows are broken.

City workers erected a fence in front of the home earlier this week and officers from the Los Angeles Police Department were on scene.

Graffiti now covers a second mansion in the Hollywood Hills. Alex Rozier reports for NBC4 News on Tuesday, September 24, 2024 at 4 p.m.

The other ugly mansion is located in the 1700 block of North Sunset Plaza Drive. The multi-story residence is located approximately 5 miles south of the Mulholland Drive mansion.

NBCLA is attempting to contact the property owner.

Los Angeles City Council member Nithya Raman's office said the owner of both properties was committing a “serious violation of the law.” The office was in contact with the police and the building and security department.

“Our office has raised the issue with the Abandoned Buildings Division in the Ministry of Construction and Safety to ensure full enforcement action is implemented urgently and expeditiously,” Raman’s office said. “DBS was on site at both sites to investigate, assess and establish security measures.

“This is a public safety issue with serious consequences for both neighbors and the surrounding community. Irresponsible property owners must take responsibility for their property or face action from the city.”