How the heck does this qualify of 'making an example' ?
That implies a overly severe penalty.
King, 19, of 2621 Pontiac St., had faced 13 counts of graffiti and three other misdemeanors, but prosecutors tossed out the remaining charges in exchange for the plea.
Authorities say King left 100 tags across the city.
That is not. "being made an example of". That's a plea bargain.
Now the Mayor of Las Vegas, he knew how to make examples.
Nov 4, 2005 ... The mayor of Las Vegas has suggested that people who deface freeways with graffiti should have their thumbs cut off on television. ...
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9927522/ns/us_news-weird_news/
In Chicago, it's a felony
Four teenagers were charged with felonies Wednesday night, accused of spray-painting graffiti