Sailor Pleads Not Guilty in Vandalism Case

A sailor accused of causing an estimated $75,000 worth of damage to a Mission Valley car dealership, has pleaded not guilty to felony burglary and vandalism charges.

Edward Roth, 22, a member of the Navy, remains free after posting $25,000 bail.

Judge David Szumowski ordered the defendant restricted to his San Diego-based ship, the USS Green Bay, unless accompanied by a senior officer.

After the Monday hearing, the judge scheduled new court dates for Jan. 9 and Jan. 30.

Roth was arrested early on Nov. 19, and video of the 3:15 a.m. incident later surfaced.

Deputy District Attorney Jalyn Wang alleged that Roth used a rock to break into the body repair center at John Hine Mazda, 1545 Camino Del Rio South.

Roth damaged at least 14 cars, smashing windows and causing other damage, the prosecutor alleged. 

Video showed a man throwing a cell phone at a car, then kicking dents in the door before smashing out windows with a club, she told the judge. What allegedly set him off was not disclosed.

While the vandal was smashing out windows, someone monitoring surveillance cameras was telling him to stop, police said.

Sgt. Ray Battrick said officers used a Taser on Roth to arrest him. Roth had a rock clutched in one hand at the time, according to the sergeant, who alleged that the suspect also tore up an office, breaking glass and throwing telephones and computers.

– City News Service