LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — The 73-year-old man accused of defacing dozens of political campaign signs across the Las Vegas has agreed to a plea deal to resolve his case.
David Smith waived his right to a preliminary hearing during a court appearance on Monday, clearing the path to enter a no-contest plea to hate-motivated vandalism charges.
Smith was arrested in late August after the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department’s Counter Terrorism Section investigated reports of swastikas spray painted over the face of California Governor Gavin Newsom on at least 60 campaign signs.
According to police, the signs, funded by the Better Nevada PAC, sustained more than $6,300 in damage and replacement costs. Detectives used surveillance cameras and license plate readers to link Smith’s vehicle to the vandalism scenes before arresting him at the Primm Valley Casino.
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During Monday’s hearing, the judge also cautioned that if the plea agreement falls through, Smith will go directly to trial on the initial charges without a preliminary hearing.
He is due back in court on September 16.
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