UPDATE: A suspect arrested in connection with a vandalized statue was sentenced Wednesday in Scott County Court, where Our Quad Cities News was in the courtroom.
Romeo Radcliff pleaded guilty to a charge of second-degree criminal mischief. Another charge was dismissed.
A sentence of incarceration was suspended, and Radcliff was placed on probation pending good behavior for a period of two years, unless sooner released by the court upon recommendation by the probation officer, according to a Scott County sentencing order.
The conditions of probation include that Radcliff will:
- obtain a mental-health evaluation and successfully complete any recommended treatment
- obtain a substance-abuse evaluation and successfully complete any recommended treatment
- complete the IDAP (Iowa Domestic Abuse Program)
- complete the Residential Corrections Facility program
- meet other conditions set by the probation officer
- complete 120 hours of community service
- pay restitution of $5,000 to the City of Bettendorf.
“I don’t see that prison’s going to help you,” the judge told Radcliff, adding that Radcliff needs structure.
EARLIER: A 33-year-old Davenport man was in custody Saturday in connection with vandalism of a Bettendorf statue that went missing earlier this year.
Romeo Radcliff faces felony charges of second-degree criminal mischief and second-degree theft, according to Scott County Court arrest affidavits.
“Skipper,” by Quad City artist Ted McElhiney, depicted a boy skipping rocks on the Mississippi River in Leach Park, Bettendorf. The statue was stolen from Leach Park between Jan. 8 and Jan, 9, 2025, police say.
Officers say in affidavits that Radcliff is seen earlier this year on camera scrapping parts of the bronze statue. Radcliff admitted to scrapping the statute but denied stealing it or knowing that the parts were stolen, police say in affidavits.
Radcliff “scrapped the head, hands and one foot from the statue,” affidavits show. The total value of the stolen statue is between $4,000-$5,000.
Scott County Court documents say pretrial release was revoked for Radcliff, who was arrested on a warrant and was being held Saturday in Scott County Jail on a $5,000 secured bond and a $10,000 cash-only bond.