PORTLAND — Two local people have become the first charged under Portland’s new graffiti ordinance after they were spotted tagging road signs and mailboxes early this morning, police said.

An officer spotted Robert Sinnott, 26, of Cumberland Avenue in Portland, and Alana Saleeby, 22, of Scarborough, lying in the street at the intersection of Deering and Mellen streets at 1:40 a.m. As the officer was investigating their well-being, police received a report of a pair marking signs and mailboxes in the area with symbols that included a heart shape, police said.

Additional Photos Robert Sinnott, left, and Alana Saleeby

Police found that the pair had ink markers that matched the ink left on the signs.

The two were charged with criminal mischief as well as issued court summonses under the city’s new graffiti ordinance, which prohibits applying graffiti or possession of graffiti implements like the large markers. Compared to state law, the city ordinance has a lower burden of proof and spells out penalties that include community service.

They are scheduled to appear at a future court date.

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