Robert and Monique Acosta's home in the French Valley section of Murrieta was once the couple's pride and joy until the foreclosure this summer.

Riverside County District Attorney Albert Chang is charging the Acostas with destroying or damaging encumbered property, which is a felony punishable by four years in prison.

"I used the word malicious because it was not just something broken randomly here and there," said Chang.

Robert Acosta, who arrived in court Wednesday with a Bible in his hand, is a veteran SDPD officer connected with ABLE, the department's helicopter unit. His wife, Monique, has a realtor's license.

10News, the only San Diego TV station to take a tour of the six-bedroom home, shot footage of the ripped-apart kitchen and the built-in appliances torn from their bases. Carpet throughout the house was pulled up and tar was discovered on the tile. Additionally, every room and hallway was spray-painted, with one room treated with giant graffiti.

On Thursday, 10News obtained photos of the Acostas removing items from the home and damaging the property. (See slideshow here).

Realtor James Brennan told 10News, "This is one of the worst we've seen … probably $75,000 up to $100,000 [in damage], I think."

Defense attorney Albert Arena said, "These are good people who may have made poor decisions, but poor decisions don't ultimately amount to criminal conduct."

The couple's attorneys are trying to work out a settlement with the bank, but there are differences of opinion about how much damage was done.

"Were the walls down? Beams still up? Roof still there? That's structural damage. How much does it cost to replace a little tile? How much to replace a countertop?" said Arena.

The Acostas, who refused comment as they left court, are free on $65,000 bail. They're due back for a settlement conference in mid-November.

The district attorney said the primary goal is paying for the damages. He has not considered the punishment in the case.

Robert Acosta is on leave from the SDPD as the case proceeds.