Ex-Steeler Baron Batch turned himself in Thursday on charges related to a string of graffiti in Pittsburgh and Baldwin Borough.
Pittsburgh police charged Batch, 28, of Homestead with 30 counts of criminal mischief. He awaits eight counts of criminal mischief in Baldwin Borough.
Batch, who has an art studio in Homestead, was arraigned Thursday night and released on his own recognizance. Court records do not list an attorney for him.
The charges relate to graffiti police found along the Three Rivers Heritage Trail, Hot Metal Bridge, Mon Wharf parking lot and Penn Avenue. It caused more than $16,000 in damage, according to a criminal complaint.
The graffiti contained distinct symbols, such as an elephant, an eyeball and the word “free” — markings that are identical to symbols found on Batch's website and social media accounts.
When police questioned Batch, he admitted that the graffiti was his, according to the complaint.
Batch played 12 games for the Steelers as a running back in 2012. He carried the ball 25 times, caught four passes and scored a touchdown, according to NFL.com.
He went to camp in 2013 but was released at the end of it.
Tony Raap is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach him at 412-320-7827 or traap@tribweb.com.
