Guilty Plea in Jackie Robinson Statue Theft; Over $300,000 Raised for Replacement

Ricky Alderete faces up to 19 years in prison for his role in the theft and destruction of a Jackie Robinson statue in Wichita, Kansas.

Alderete pleaded guilty to multiple charges including theft and aggravated criminal damage, with sentencing scheduled for July 1.
The stolen statue, valued at $75,000, was part of a youth baseball league park and intended to honor Robinson's legacy.
Community response included over $300,000 in donations to fund a new statue and enhancements to park security.
Major League Baseball and its clubs have pledged financial support for the new statue and the youth league.
The crime was not motivated by hate but by the intent to sell the metal for scrap, according to police investigations.