Topline:
A man accused of cutting down several trees in downtown Los Angeles and other areas of the city was charged with eight counts of felony vandalism, according to the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office.
The accused: Samuel Patrick Groft, 44, pleaded not guilty to the charges Thursday in Los Angeles County Superior Court. According to the complaint, Groft has previous convictions on charges including assault with a deadly weapon, burglary and vandalism, the district attorney's office said. As of Thursday evening, Groft remained in county jail. A judge set bail at $350,000.
The destruction: Last weekend, residents awoke to find severed tree trunks toppled onto the streets of downtown L.A., the Westlake and Glassell Park. The mayor’s office described the destruction as “truly beyond comprehension.” The district attorney’s office said in a news release that eight trees were felled between April 14 and April 19. The damages are estimated at $347,000.
Possible penalties: If convicted of all charges, Groft faces up to six years, six months in state prison.