The LAPD has arrested a 30-year-old suspect in the New Year’s Day vandalism of the Hollywood sign that made the iconic letters briefly spell out “HOLLYWEED.”
Zach Fernandez, also known as “Jesushands” on social media, voluntarily surrendered himself to law enforcement officials on Monday with his attorney present and was arrested on misdemeanor trespassing charges.
If convicted, Fernandez could face up to six months in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000. He is scheduled to appear in court on February 15.
Fernadez had claimed responsibility for the prank in an interview with Buzzfeed last Tuesday, saying he wanted to give people who saw the sign “something to smile and laugh out loud about.”
“Honestly, I didn’t know the gravity of what was going to happen,” he said.
Police said that while the sign was not damaged, several letters were wrapped with tarps, which briefly changed the sign’s appearance.
“The Hollywood Sign has seen many alteration attempts over the years for people seeking notoriety or commercial gain,” said L.A. City Councilmember David Ryu. “Pranks of this nature deplete the resources of our valuable public safety personnel, in both responding to the prank and in responding to the increased crowds and copycat attempts that these incidents generate. My office has urged the City Attorney and LAPD to investigate and prosecute this case as well as all attempts to trespass near, alter, or vandalize the Sign.”