By admin 
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — A man will spend several years behind bars and must repay thousands of dollars for vandalizing one of the Phoenix Art Museum’s most recognizable sculptures.
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Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell announced that Todd Maddox, 59, was sentenced to 4.5 years in prison after pleading guilty to one count of criminal damage.
Investigators say in March, officers received reports of a man, identified as Maddox, damaging the red dinosaur sculpture outside of the museum, near Central Avenue and McDowell Road. Museum staff gave officers photos and videos of Maddox breaking pieces off of a marble wall and throwing them at the display.
Museum staff said the estimated cost to repair the “Jurassic Age” figure was $23,308.
Officers searched the area and discovered that Maddox was spotted walking through the Heard Museum property, which is only miles away from the art museum. Officers and museum staff located and detained Maddox.
Officials say Maddox admitted he had been drinking alcohol and using methamphetamine while damaging property throughout the morning. He also admitted that he was the one in the surveillance video captured damaging the dinosaur sculpture.
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“Public art enriches our community and belongs to everyone,” Mitchell said in a statement. “The damage caused in this case resulted in costly repairs and deprived visitors of the opportunity to enjoy this exhibit as intended. Given Mr. Maddox’s extensive felony history spanning multiple states, this prison sentence holds a repeat offender accountable while helping protect our community. We appreciate the quick work of Phoenix Police officers and the cooperation of museum staff in bringing this case to a resolution.”
Along with the prison sentence, Maddox must repay the $23,308 in restitution. Prosecutors say he has an extensive criminal history spanning nearly 20 years, with eight prior felony convictions.
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