LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — The man accused of defacing dozens of political campaign billboards around the valley appeared in court Monday morning after being arrested a second time.
David Lawrence Smith Jr., 72, was arrested a first time on Monday, Aug. 24, but failed to appear for his first court appearance that following Thursday when he was released from custody. The judge overseeing his case issued a bench warrant for his arrest as a result.
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Smith appeared in a wheelchair during the hearing, in which Judge Eric Goodman set the date for his preliminary hearing.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department’s Counter Terrorism Section says they launched an investigation into Smith after receiving reports of swastikas being spray-painted over the face of California Governor Gavin Newsom on at least 60 signs.
The signs were paid for by the Better Nevada PAC, which has donated money for multiple campaigns for Republican candidates in the state, including Governor Joe Lombardo.
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According to the arrest report, the Better Nevada PAC estimated the total property damage and replacement labor costs at $6,373.43, which includes $4,573.43 for printing and $1,800 for labor.
Smith was located by detectives involved in the investigation after he was spotted in his vehicle on several surveillance cameras and license plate readers. His vehicle was also traced to the locations of several defaced signs.
Smith is due back in court on Monday, Sept. 14 at 9 a.m.
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