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Samuel Groft faces more than six years in state prison if convicted as charged

LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman announced that a 44-year-old man was charged today with cutting down multiple trees across the City of Los Angeles with a chainsaw.

“What took years to grow only took minutes to destroy,” District Attorney Hochman said. “Trees not only provide shade and comfort but nourish those who live and work in our communities. Selfish and senseless acts that strip away a vital piece of our ecosystem are profoundly disturbing and my office will prosecute anyone who engages in such criminal conduct to the fullest extent of the law.”

Samuel Groft (dob 10/15/80) was charged in case 25CJCF02255 with eight felony counts of vandalism. He is scheduled to be arraigned today in Department 30 of the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center.

Between April 14 and April 19, Groft is accused of cutting down eight trees in Downtown Los Angeles. In all instances, Groft allegedly used a chainsaw to cut down the trees. Damages are approximately $347,000.

According to the criminal complaint, Groft was previously convicted of various charges including assault with a deadly weapon, burglary and vandalism.

If convicted as charged, Groft faces up to six years and six months in state prison.

The case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Cynthia Valenzuela of the Environmental Crimes Division and remains under investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department.

The charges filed in this case are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

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