Jan 24, 2008 6:03 pm US/Eastern
Angry Residents Attend Graffiti Suspect's Hearing
Daniel Montano, 22, is already awaiting trial on hundreds of charges of graffiti vandalism across the city
His defense attorney wants to consolidate over two-dozen new charges into the case against him
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) ―
A man who police say has an extensive history of leaving his mark on dozens of buildings throughout Pittsburgh is behind bars, awaiting arraignment on over two-dozen new charges.
Investigators dubbed Daniel Montano, 22, the "king of graffiti" when they arrested him last year for allegedly spray-painting over 100 properties around the city.
Though Montano was supposed to face hundreds of charges in two separate cases during a non-jury trial that was set to start on Monday, officials have postponed that court date in light of new charges against him.
Last week, detectives with the city police Graffiti Task Force arrested Montano in connection with dozens of cases of vandalism around the city.
He's now facing 6 new felony counts and 19 additional misdemeanor counts of criminal mischief/graffiti.
During a court appearance this morning, Montano's attorney asked that the court consolidate the latest charges against him into a single case.
A group of angry residents from the city's Southside and Lawrenceville neighborhoods showed up for today's hearing. They say they're fed up with the graffiti vandalism.
One councilman estimates that Montano is responsible for causing over $700,000 worth of damage with his spray-painting.
Montano is currently being held in the Allegheny County Jail on $50,000 straight bond.
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