It took almost two years but police can now say they officially know who "Girafa" is.
The well-known Bay Area street artist was arrested in San Jose in October 2009 for allegedly spray-painting his trademark giraffe in 10 locations across the city.
Police issued a search warrant and went through the house of Steven Free in San Francisco , looking for evidence that would connect him to the paintings.
Eighteen-months later, Free admitted to the crimes in a plea agreement and had 10 counts dropped to two.
Under the plea, Free must pay $38,000 in restitution to the owners of the properties he tagged and he will be placed on probation for three years.
But perhaps most damaging of all for Free is that he had to reveal his identity as Girafa.
