A sailor accused of breaking into a Mission Valley car dealership and vandalizing several cars appeared in court with his attorney and commanding officers Monday afternoon.
Edward Roth allegedly broke the window of the John Hine Mazda dealership in Mission Valley and used chairs to damage the windshields and bodies of 14 vehicles, according to SDPD Sgt. Ray Battrick in a previous article on the incident.
At the time, police also said Roth ransacked an office area, throwing office furniture and equipment to the ground. Police estimated the damage cost the dealership $50,000.
Roth, assigned to USS Green Bay, posted a $25,000 bail and is restricted to his ship.
Roth's attorney, Steven Martinez confirmed it was his client on the surveillance video and said entering a not guilty plea is standard procedure.
"I think in the end all of the positive things he has done in his life are going to help in an understanding of what happened," Martinez said. "It's not as clear as what happened in the video there are going to be other facts that are uncovered."
Maretinez says Roth has no criminal record and he was recently awarded the "Sailor of the Year" award.
Roth will reappear in court on Jan. 9, 2012.
