Downtown LA Tree Vandal Sentenced to 2 Years in Prison

Samuel Patrick Groft pleaded no contest to cutting down 13 trees in downtown LA last year.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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A 45-year-old man was sentenced to two years in prison for using a chainsaw to cut down 13 trees in downtown Los Angeles last year. Samuel Patrick Groft pleaded no contest to nine felony counts of vandalism and two misdemeanor counts of vandalism, with authorities estimating nearly $350,000 in damage.

Why it matters

The tree-cutting incident left the downtown LA community baffled and outraged, with officials calling it an act of "eco-terrorism." The loss of the trees, some of which were decades old, was a blow to the urban landscape and environment. The sentencing highlights the consequences for such destructive behavior.

The details

Groft was caught on surveillance footage wearing all black and riding a BMX-style bike while cutting down the trees with a chainsaw between April 13-19. He was arrested on April 22 at a nearby park encampment, still in the same clothing and with the chainsaw in his possession. Authorities said Groft has a criminal record and is homeless.

  • The tree-cutting incidents occurred between April 13-19, 2025.
  • Groft was arrested on April 22, 2025.

The players

Samuel Patrick Groft

A 45-year-old man who pleaded no contest to cutting down 13 trees in downtown Los Angeles and was sentenced to two years in prison.

Nathan Hochman

The District Attorney who said "What took years to grow only took minutes to destroy" after the case was filed.

Ysabel Jurado

The City Councilmember who led a tree replanting ceremony, saying the trees will be replaced two to one.

Ana Tabuena-Ruddy

The Los Angeles Bureau of Street Services General Manager who called the tree-cutting an act of "eco-terrorism."

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What they’re saying

“What took years to grow only took minutes to destroy,”

— Nathan Hochman, District Attorney (CBS News Los Angeles)

“Anytime DTLA has had a downturn, it comes back stronger,”

— Ysabel Jurado, City Councilmember (CBS News Los Angeles)

“We are planting Oak trees, Desert Willows, Catalina Cherry, and in locations we couldn't plant natives, we are identifying drought-tolerant trees to plant,”

— Ana Tabuena-Ruddy, Los Angeles Bureau of Street Services General Manager (CBS News Los Angeles)

What’s next

The city plans to replace the damaged trees two to one, planting a variety of drought-tolerant species to restore the urban landscape.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of protecting urban trees and the consequences for those who would seek to destroy them. It also demonstrates the community's resilience and commitment to replanting and restoring the downtown LA environment.