3 Plead Not Guilty to Graffiti Charges
Three former high school football players accused of painting racial slurs on the door of a black coach’s office pleaded not guilty to charges of terrorism and vandalism Wednesday in Van Nuys Municipal Court.
The three--Jesus Renteria, Paul Zamora and Carlos Gonzales--were 18-year-old seniors at the time of the June 12 incident at St. Genevieve High School in Panorama City.
School officials found “KKK” and other racial slurs on the door of assistant football coach Jimmy Chambers’ office. Authorities also found smashed drinking fountains, broken glass and other damage at the school.
If convicted, the three 18-year-olds, who each are charged with one count of felony vandalism and one count of misdemeanor terrorism, could face up to three years in prison.
A preliminary hearing was scheduled for Aug. 3. All three remain free on $5,000 bail each.
Two other students, both 17-year-old juveniles, have been charged in Sylmar Juvenile Court in connection with the incident.
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