A Phoenix man has been sentenced to four and a half years in prison after admitting to vandalizing a dinosaur sculpture outside the Phoenix Art Museum, causing tens of thousands of dollars in damage.
Todd Maddox, 59, pleaded guilty to one count of criminal damage, a Class 4 felony. According to prosecutors, the sentence reflects both the severity of the offense and Maddox’s extensive criminal record, which includes eight prior felony convictions spanning nearly two decades.
The incident occurred in March when Phoenix police responded to reports of vandalism at the museum near Central Avenue and McDowell Road. Investigators said surveillance footage and photographs provided by museum staff showed Maddox breaking pieces from a nearby marble wall and throwing them at the sculpture.
After reviewing the evidence, officers canvassed the surrounding area and learned that Maddox had been seen on nearby museum property. With assistance from security personnel, police located and detained him.
Authorities said Maddox later admitted to damaging the artwork and acknowledged consuming alcohol and methamphetamine prior to the incident. He also identified himself as the individual captured in surveillance footage.
The damaged sculpture, titled Jurassic Age, required significant repairs. Officials estimated the restoration cost at $23,308, an amount Maddox has been ordered to pay as restitution in addition to serving his prison sentence.
Maricopa County prosecutors emphasized that public art installations are community assets and that vandalism can deprive residents and visitors of access to cultural exhibits while creating substantial repair expenses.
The case marks another example of local authorities pursuing felony charges in incidents involving damage to public property and cultural landmarks.
