Madison, WI – Four adults from Madison have been charged with multiple felonies and misdemeanors in connection with a string of graffiti incidents that targeted the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus over the past 18 months, authorities said. Investigators estimate the vandalism caused more than $10,000 in damage across several high-profile campus locations.
Incident Overview
According to the UW–Madison Police Department, the suspects are accused of carrying out eight separate graffiti incidents at multiple campus sites, including Camp Randall Stadium. Officials said the investigation had been ongoing since the incidents first began and culminated this week with felony charges filed against four individuals, all of whom are not currently affiliated with the university.
The suspects have been identified as Zebulun Fazel, 24, Genevieve Karamanski, 22, Kareem Mayouf, 26, and William Wambles, 20, all residents of Madison.
Charges Filed
Court records show that each suspect is facing a combination of felony and misdemeanor charges related to the vandalism.
Zebulun Fazel, 24, is charged with one count of felony graffiti, six counts of misdemeanor graffiti, one count of misdemeanor disorderly conduct, and one count of misdemeanor criminal damage to property.
Genevieve Karamanski, 22, faces one count of felony graffiti, two counts of misdemeanor graffiti, and one count of misdemeanor disorderly conduct.
Kareem Mayouf, 26, has been charged with one count of felony graffiti and two counts of misdemeanor graffiti.
William Wambles, 20, is charged with one count of felony graffiti and one count of misdemeanor graffiti.
Authorities said the felony charges stem from the extent and cost of damage, which exceeded statutory thresholds under Wisconsin law.
Timeline of the Investigation
UW–Madison police said the graffiti incidents occurred intermittently over the last year and a half, prompting an extended investigation that involved tracking patterns, locations, and materials used. Officials noted that the vandalism appeared coordinated, with similar markings discovered at multiple campus sites over time.
As part of the investigation, authorities executed a search warrant at a residence connected to the suspects. During the search, police recovered graffiti-related evidence, including materials believed to have been used in the vandalism.
Evidence Recovered
In addition to graffiti tools and materials, investigators said they also recovered multiple firearms from the residence, including an AR-15-style rifle. Authorities emphasized that the presence of weapons is still being reviewed as part of the broader investigation and did not confirm whether the firearms are directly connected to the graffiti incidents.
No firearm-related charges were announced at this time, but officials said evidence seized during the search remains under review.
Impact on Campus
The vandalism caused more than $10,000 in damage, according to investigators, with cleanup and repairs required at several prominent campus locations. University officials have previously stated that graffiti incidents place a financial burden on the institution and divert resources away from educational and safety priorities.
Police also stressed that graffiti on public campuses is treated seriously due to its impact on student safety, community trust, and property preservation, especially when repeated incidents suggest organized activity.
Potential Additional Charges
Authorities said the investigation is ongoing, and additional charges may be filed. Officials are also examining whether the four suspects are connected to off-campus graffiti incidents in the Madison area, which could expand the scope of the case.
Law enforcement noted that coordinated graffiti cases often involve multiple locations beyond a single jurisdiction, and investigators are continuing to analyze evidence recovered during the search warrant execution.
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