By: Irvin Ji

In a notable case involving the theft of a statue commemorating a cultural icon, a man was sentenced today in Brooklyn federal court for the theft of a statue of Jackie Robinson. The statue, which commemorates Robinson’s groundbreaking achievements as the first African American Major League Baseball player, was stolen from its location in a Brooklyn Park in March 2023.

The defendant, identified as 38-year-old Robert Carter, was sentenced to 36 months in prison followed by a year of supervised release. In addition to the prison term, Carter has been ordered to pay restitution and perform 200 hours of community service.

The statue, valued at approximately $500,000, was a significant symbol of Robinson’s impact on sports and civil rights. It was originally dedicated in 2007 in a park named in his honor in the Flatbush neighborhood, a community closely tied to Robinson’s legacy. The theft shocked the local community and sparked widespread media coverage, leading to an extensive investigation by federal and local authorities.

Authorities recovered the statue in April 2023, following a tip that led to its discovery in a warehouse in Queens. Carter was apprehended and charged with theft and possession of stolen property. During the trial, Carter admitted to the crime but claimed he was under financial duress at the time.

Prosecutors highlighted the theft’s impact on the community, emphasizing that the statue was not only a valuable piece of art but also a cherished monument to Robinson’s role in breaking racial barriers in sports. The case has been closely watched as a significant example of the legal system’s response to crimes against cultural landmarks.

The sentence reflects a commitment to protecting public monuments and honoring the legacy of figures like Jackie Robinson.