A Washington graffiti artist who showed up in paint-stained clothing for a court appearance only made his legal situation worse.

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John Tsombikos, who signs his work "Borf," was wearing a coat that closely resembled one he wore for a photograph accompanying a newspaper feature, The Washington Post reported. The judge told him to give the coat to prosecutors for evidence.

Police also found "Borf" scrawled on an emergency call box a block from the courthouse after the hearing. They also say that he had scratches on his neck that could have been the result of climbing over fences.

Everything went into a search warrant affidavit. Tuesday night, officers searched the house where Tsombikos, 18, lives with his parents, looking for the tools of his trade and for any tickets, hotel bills or rental car receipts that would suggest he traveled to other cities to share his art.

Prosecutors have not said whether anything was found.