Staff Report
UNM Police cited student Michael Graham for spray-painting a picture of Geronimo onto the outside of the Center of the Universe structure Monday night.
UNMPD spokeswoman Christine Chester said Graham received a petty misdemeanor for graffiti on public property. Graham will have to appear at the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court for the incident.
Chester said Graham admitted to painting the picture on the outer wall of the concrete structure.
Graham said he "thought the Center of the Universe was dull and thought he'd add a little color to it," according to the police report.
If Graham is convicted of the petty misdemeanor, he could be sentenced to either community service or pay restitution to the University for the damage, Chester said.
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If officers had witnessed the vandalism, Graham would have been arrested on site, Chester said.
When officers arrived on the scene Monday, Graham was holding two bottles of spray paint, and the officer could see the red and orange image, according to the report.
According to UNMPD, this is an isolated incident and the first incident of campus vandalism this year, Chester said.
"I have not seen any reports come across my desk in reference to us citing anyone or taking someone to jail for acts of graffiti," she said.
Chester said the incident might discourage others from doing the same thing.
"The benefit of catching him is hopefully to deter any other individuals from vandalizing property at UNM, because they will face possible consequences in court," she said.
