Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office Arrests Suspect in Campaign Sign Vandalism Case

On February 24, 2024, the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of Axel Banegas in connection with recent reports of campaign sign vandalism. The arrest comes after investigators pursued leads following multiple instances of candidate political signs being defaced.

Surveillance footage from the shopping center at 11315 S. Texas Hwy 6 in Sugar Land, Fort Bend County, Texas, captured a suspect driving a yellow Chevrolet Camaro damaging candidate signs on February 13, 2024. Subsequent investigation efforts led to the identification and arrest of Banegas.

Banegas, 22, was apprehended on February 24, 2024, based on an arrest warrant for Criminal Mischief, classified as a Class A misdemeanor. During questioning, Banegas confessed to his involvement in damaging the campaign signs. He was assigned a bond of $7,500.

Authorities emphasized that the investigation into additional suspects involved in the vandalism of candidate signs remains ongoing. The initial instances of campaign sign vandalism were reported starting from January 4, 2024.

“We condemn the unlawful act of damaging political campaign signs,” says Sheriff Eric Fagan. “Every candidate has the right to campaign, and it is against the law for individuals to vandalize these signs. We take this matter seriously, and the investigation will continue, following up on other leads and suspects to ensure accountability for these actions.”