John Williams, 32, of Ventura, spray-painted swastikas on multiple businesses and private property in the city in March this year.
Ventura County Senior Deputy District Attorney Hayley Moyer told KCLU that they’re seeing an uptick in similar hate crimes.
"We're seeing a bit of an increase when it comes to swastika specifically," Moyer said.
Williams pleaded guilty on Friday to six felony counts and three misdemeanors in connection with vandalism involving swastikas on public and private property.
Moyer stressed the severity of the impact of his actions and similar actions on the community.
"Symbols of hate like the swastika are simply not just pieces of our history, pieces of our past that stay in the past, but they're dangerous reminders of that violence and intolerance. Not only are we protecting those people that these symbols target against, but we're protecting the entire community," she said.
Williams will be sentenced on September 17. He faces a sentence of up to 5 years and four months.
