Ford Campaign Condemns Defaced Political Sign in Las Vegas; The CrimeSolver Offers $5,000 Reward for Informat

LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Nevada Attorney General and gubernatorial candidate Aaron Ford are responding to the defacement of a political sign in Las Vegas near the intersection of Sunset Road and Buffalo Drive, where a swastika was reportedly painted across the face of California Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Newsom has endorsed Ford in the race for Nevada governor, making the vandalized sign a visible symbol of the increasingly heated political contest.

David Kohlmeier, a former Henderson and New York Police Department officer known as “The Crime Solver,” condemned the vandalism and announced that he is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for defacing political signs.

“The political sign shows a swastika painted across Newsom’s face,” Kohlmeier said. “This isn’t the only case of a defaced billboard in the valley.”

Kohlmeier pointed to another incident involving a political billboard along Interstate 215, where someone reportedly painted a mustache on an image of Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo.

“We have yet to find out who the perpetrators are in either case,” Kohlmeier said. “This incident has motivated me to offer a reward of $5,000 to any information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons who defaced the political signs.”

The incidents come as Nevada’s gubernatorial campaign continues to intensify, with political advertising becoming an increasingly visible part of the contest. While political disagreements and sharp campaign rhetoric are common during election seasons, the use of hate symbols and the intentional destruction or defacement of political property raise concerns about where political expression crosses the line into vandalism and intimidation.

A spokesperson for the Ford campaign said the campaign “unequivocally condemns heinous hate symbols.”

The Ford campaign is calling for a rejection of hate and political vandalism as Nevada voters prepare to make their choice for governor.

Tony Abbatangelo Esq. is a former judge and well-respected attorney at Paul Padda Law, that handles both criminal and personal injury cases stated “In Nevada, defacing political signs with a swastika would typically be evaluated as vandalism or graffiti-related property damage, with the potential charge depending primarily on the cost to repair, replace, or clean up the sign. If the damage is under $250, it is generally a misdemeanor; if it is $250 to under $5,000, it may be charged as a gross misdemeanor; and if it is $5,000 or more, it may be charged as a felony. Prosecutors may also review whether the use of a hate symbol supports any additional charge or sentencing enhancement, depending on the facts and the intent they can prove. This type of hateful and disgusting conduct has no place in our community or political process, and anyone considering it should understand that it can carry serious criminal consequences.”

Kohlmeier a.k.a. The CrimeSolver is asking anyone with information about the vandalized political signs to come forward. Information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible could qualify for the $5,000 reward.

The incidents remain under investigation, and no suspect has been identified or arrested in connection with either reported act of vandalism.

To contact the CrimeSolver call 1-833-TIPS-CASH or visit TheCrimeSolver.com

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