LOS ANGELES — A judge on Tuesday dismissed Ryan Garcia’s misdemeanor criminal damage to property charge and ordered the boxer to pay restitution to the Waldorf Astoria luxury hotel in Beverly Hills, where police told police Garcia caused more than $15,000 in damage. He pointed out that he had paid a fee and that he had no criminal record.
Judge James P. Cooper III approved a civil settlement dismissing the case in airport court over the objections of the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. He also lectured Garcia while Garcia stood next to his attorney, Michael Goldstein.
“Mr. Goldstein and I have seen athletes lose money quickly because when you have money people want to be around you all the time and want to party,” Cooper said. spoke from the bench. “But when that money is gone, your friends no longer exist and they can’t reach out anymore because your money is gone. And look at Mike Tyson. That’s Mohammed. It happened to Ali. It happens to many people in your field.”
“Listen to Mr. Goldstein, we’ve been on this block several times, so listen to the older guys, okay? I know what you’re doing. Good luck, son.”
“Thank you, sir,” Garcia said, standing next to his lawyer.
Deputy District Attorney Eric Argoli challenged the judge’s decision to dismiss the case due to a civil settlement, saying the vandalism involved luxury goods at a luxury hotel.
Reported damage included a securely installed television, a refrigerator, two hallway sconce lights, a vase of flowers, and a metal case on a door hinge, said Pamela J. Johnson, public affairs specialist for the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. It is said to have been included.
But Mr Cooper overcame the opposition and explained his decision.
“By accepting the hotel’s representation that it has received full compensation and is not seeking further action, it is only accelerating what is to come,” Cooper said. “The court has weighed many issues. We are also mindful of the fact that we are facing a crisis.” In 95 percent of restitution orders, the victim is never satisfied. And in this situation where the defendant has made full restitution, I think oddly enough he’s shown quite a bit of remorse for what happened and he’s benefited from the deal. ”
Outside court, Garcia told USA TODAY Sports: “I’m just grateful for the good result. And yeah, I’m ready to get back on track and do better.”
Deputy District Attorney Eric Argoli challenged the judge’s decision to dismiss the case due to a civil settlement, saying the vandalism involved luxury goods at a luxury hotel.
Reported damage included a securely installed television, a refrigerator, two hallway sconce lights, a vase of flowers, and a metal case on a door hinge, said Pamela J. Johnson, public affairs specialist for the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. It is said to have been included.
The embattled 26-year-old boxer has been suspended for one year after testing positive for a banned substance the day before and the day of his fight with Devin Haney in Brooklyn on April 20th. . On Sept. 27, Haney sued Garcia for fraud, assault and breach of contract after he tested positive for drugs, according to a copy of the lawsuit.
The legal troubles began on June 8, when Garcia was arrested by Beverly Hills police at the Waldorf Astoria on a charge of felony criminal damage to property.
“The Beverly Hills Police Department treated him really well. They were very professional and we appreciated that,” said Garcia’s attorney, Michael Goldstein.
Goldstein emphasized that Garcia’s restitution and lack of criminal history positively influenced the judge’s decision. Another option was for Garcia to agree to pretrial diversion. “But that would have just been a waste…The court didn’t want to rent free space in his head to impede his ability to hold this stuff and train. So now he I think I can be free from this and pursue everything else.” There are other things he wants to do and he’s back on track. ”
The District Attorney’s Office decided to prosecute the case on July 18, reducing the charge to a misdemeanor.
On August 8, Mr. Garcia pleaded not guilty at his arraignment.
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(This story has been updated with new information.)