Guilty Plea in Jackie Robinson Statue Theft; Vandal Faces 19 Years
May 12, 2024Ricky Alderete, 45, has admitted to the felony theft and damage of a bronze Jackie Robinson statue in Kansas.
The statue was discovered damaged and discarded in a city park, with the intent of selling the metal for scrap.
Alderete's actions are not considered hate crimes but still carry a potential sentence of over 19 years.
He is also responsible for restitution, amounting to $41,500, to the youth baseball group that owned the statue.
The remnants of the statue have been donated to the Negro League Baseball Museum.
Public support has been strong, with an online fundraiser for the statue's restoration exceeding a $75,000 goal.
Sentencing for Alderete is set for July 1.
Summary based on 3 sources
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Sources
Los Angeles Times • May 11, 2024
Man pleads guilty in theft of bronze Jackie Robinson statue from park - Los Angeles TimesABC News • May 10, 2024
Man pleads guilty in theft of bronze Jackie Robinson statue from Kansas parkCBSSports.com • May 10, 2024
Kansas man pleads guilty after stealing Jackie Robinson statue