Accused spray-painter to get trial
By Debbie Lowe Staff writer
A significant amount of red spray paint appeared on businesses, fences, bridges and buildings in mid-January. After an exhaustive investigation by the Delphi Police Department, 19-year-old Jose Torres of 416 E. Franklin St. was arrested and charged with 16 counts of criminal mischief. According to the probable cause affidavit filed Jan. 30 by Sgt. Brook McCain, Torres "admitted that he was responsible for the graffiti and filled out a voluntary statement form."

Torres

Torres was arrested and bonded out of jail Jan. 30. He first appeared in Carroll Superior Court Feb. 22 for an initial hearing. He told Judge Jeffrey Smith at that time he was not working or attending public school. He said he was living with his parents and was being schooled in the home. Torres said he owned no property or vehicles. Smith entered a plea of not guilty on behalf of Torres and appointed public defender, Steven Knecht to the case.

Torres appeared again May 9. Knecht reported his client wanted to stand trial to answer to the charges. He advised the court that due to the number of victims and potential witnesses, the trial would last two days. Because of a congested court calendar, a tentative trial date was set for July 31 and Aug. 1.