Man sentenced to 4.5 years for vandalizing Phoenix Art Museum dinosaur sculpture

A man who vandalized a dinosaur sculpture at the Phoenix Art Museum was sentenced to 4.5 years in prison and ordered to pay more than $23,000 in restitution, officials announced Wednesday.

Todd Maddox, 59, pleaded guilty to one count of criminal damage, a class four felony. He has eight prior felony convictions and a criminal history that spans almost two decades.

“Public art enriches our community and belongs to everyone,” Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell said in an announcement. “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.”

Details on the dinosaur sculpture vandalization

In March, officers with the Phoenix Police Department were called to the Phoenix Art Museum, which is located off Central Avenue and McDowell Road, after a man damaged the dinosaur sculpture outside.

Museum staff provided authorities with footage and photos of Maddox breaking off pieces of the marble wall then throwing them at the art piece.

While canvassing the area, officers learned that Maddox had been seen walking through Heard Museum property and located and detained him with the help of museum security.

Maddox was advised of his rights and admitted that he had been drinking, using methamphetamine and damaging property all morning. He also identified himself as the person seen in surveillance video damaging the sculpture.

The estimated cost to fix the dinosaur sculpture, which is called the “Jurassic Age,” is $23,308.

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