Sacagawea Statue Thief's Sentence: Fifty...

Judge Philip Nelson imposed the maximum sentence on Marcus Bologna: fifty days in jail, for the theft and destruction of the statue of Sacagawea and her baby which stood in Fort Clatsop National Memorial Park. In addition, Bologna will be on probation for 24 months, and must pay $348 in fines and reimburse the court for his attorney's fees. An additional $20,000 restitution for the cost of the statue is to be paid by Bologna and any of the other suspected thieves who are convicted.

The judge and the prosecutor both remarked in court that the public's dissatisfaction with such lenient sentences is growing.

Comments: 13

Curt L. Mar 7, 2008, 1:17pm EST

That's rediculous! Thanks, JK.

reply to this comment

Chick J. Mar 7, 2008, 1:35pm EST

"public's dissatisfaction with such lenient sentences is growing" What public dissatisfaction? Am I missing something?

reply to this comment

Vivian A. Mar 7, 2008, 2:00pm EST

Thanks for the update, but I can't say I'm impressed with the outcome. To be honest, to judge a case like this is unique, I guess I am more surprised by the fact that there are sentencing guidelines for an act like this in the first place. Isn't that the judge's job?

I think community service in addition to the sentence would have been valuable. Being ignorant of judicial sentences I hope that any future wage earnings are garnished in this instance. So sad!

reply to this comment

Beaker (just Beaker) Mar 7, 2008, 3:42pm EST

I believe the judge is required to follow the guidelines, because a "3 strikes" law in Oregon mandates heavier penalties for repeat offenders. It is outrageous that people can steal and destroy a beautiful (and expensive) piece of public art and sell it for scrap, and the maximum penalty is 50 days in jail.

reply to this comment

Bob C. Mar 8, 2008, 1:01am EST

It is a light sentence and that is why so many people thinking nothing of doing things like that! I like Kate C.'s Idea, tack on some hard labor of scrubbing public toilets or cleaning that very same park where the loser stole the statue from!

reply to this comment

Edward W. Mar 8, 2008, 3:42am EST

I thought that the sentence is rather lenient, myself, and then I saw the fines and restitution charge. Perhaps they should reevaluate the sentencing guidelines.

Now, if he fails to pay, shouldn't there be additional adverse consequences, besides a horrible credit rating? Like, maybe, major jail time in lieu of the $20,000.

Oh, and I like Kate C.'s suggestion. That seems to be very fitting.

reply to this comment