Homeless 19-Year-Old Charged In Royal Oak Graffiti Case

ROYAL OAK (WWJ) - A 19-year-old homeless man who is on probation for drawing graffiti in Ferndale is now facing charges in Royal Oak for similar crimes.

Carson Matlock was arraigned Friday in 44th District Court on two counts of malicious destruction of property -- $200 to $1,000, and minor in possession of alcohol. Bond was set at $300.

Police say Matlock was arrested just before 2 a.m. Thursday after patrol officers observed him crouching down near a utility pole at the corner of Washington and Lincoln avenues. When Matlock walked away, the officers allegedly observed a fresh drawing in red paint.

Officers stopped Matlock, at which time they apparently observed red paint on his hands and found red paint markers in his pocket. The officers checked the immediate area and found six other drawings consistent with the graffiti on the utility pole, police said.

Matlock is currently on probation for a malicious destruction of property conviction in Ferndale for drawing graffiti on parking meters. If convicted of the offenses in Royal Oak, he faces a year behind bars and several thousands of dollars in fines. He's due back in court Feb. 20.