Three Fayette County youths are in custody in connection with several acts of vandalism throughout the area.

Two of the defendants were apprehended in the early morning hours of May 25, when deputies spotted them spraying graffiti on the back wall of the J&R Plaza on Ga. Highway 85 near the Clayton County line, police said. The suspects ran when spotted, and all but one were caught at that time, according to police.

Justin Merrell, 17, of Fayetteville was arrested at the scene, as was Nicholas D. Marrs, 18, of Tyrone. Deputies later identified Steven Daniel Kubon, 17, of Peachtree City, as the one who fled and took him into custody as well.

All three are charged with criminal damage in the second degree, obstruction and three misdemeanor counts of criminal trespass. The criminal damage charge is a felony when more than $500 in damage is done.

The three face up to five years in prison on that count and 12 months on each of the others, as well as paying restitution.

It was determined by investigators that these suspects were responsible for at least two other graffiti incidents — at Guthrie Plaza on Ga. Highway 54 near Peachtree City April 25, and at North Fayette Elementary School on Kenwood Road May 20.

According to the Peachtree City Police Department, the three also will be charged concerning similar acts in the city, but the investigation is still underway and the exact charges have not yet been determined.

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