By Howard Koplowitz
Oliver Siandre, 27, of 100 West 92nd St., whose alleged tag name is “KIKO,” is accused of racking up more than $5,750 in property damages in Astoria and Long Island City in 2004 and 2005, according to the DA.”Graffiti is a symptom of crime and negatively affects the quality of life of all citizens through decreased property values, increased taxes and a financial burden on affected businesses and homes,” Brown said. “We cannot allow one individual to mar the beauty of our city and threaten to return us to the days when our transit system and our highways and buildings are covered with graffiti.” Siandre was indicted on charges of criminal mischief, making graffiti and possession of graffiti instruments. He faces up to seven years in prison if convicted.A source close to the case said Siandre's girlfriend lives in Astoria and he was spray painting his tag in the neighborhood to impress her. A DA spokesman would not confirm the possible motive.City Councilman Peter Vallone (D-Astoria), arguably the Council's staunchest anti-graffiti advocate, lauded Brown for bringing the charges against Siandre.”This is an unprecedented indictment for a graffiti punk,” said Vallone, who called Siandre one of Astoria's “most wanted” graffiti vandals. “We are sending a message to (Siandre) and any other miscreant that defaces our neighborhood Ð We will find you and you will go to jail.”The DA said that between Oct. 1, 2004 and Dec. 5, 2005, Siandre allegedly spray painted “KIKO” on a wall at St. Demetrios Greek American School at 30-03 30th Drive and on a pillar, tree and the ground inside Athens Square Park in Astoria. He also charged that “KIKO” was tagged on the garage door of the Powhatan Regular Democratic Club at 41-05 Newton Rd. and an MTA overpass in Long Island City as well as the homes of private residents.Paul Siegert, Siandre's attorney, declined to comment on the indictment because he said he had yet to see it. Fred Kress, the head of Citizens Against Graffiti Everywhere, or CAGE Ða group of 49 organizations throughout the borough that are involved in graffiti cleanupsÐ said he and members of the group plan to attend Siandre's court appearance on Feb. 2 and will try to get a letter to the judge seeking a harsh punishment.”He was public enemy No. 1,” Kress said of “KIKO.” “We're going to be rooting for the maximum sentence for him.”Kress said CAGE is not just about making the vandals aware of the damage they cause to a community, but “it's about letting them know that we're fed up.” “I think the citizen presence will make a big statement,” he said.Reach reporter Howard Koplowitz by e-mail at news@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 173
