A man from Portland, Oregon has been placed on probation after admitting to vandalizing a federal law enforcement vehicle parked in the city’s downtown area.
Zachary J. Maurice, 28, received a three-year probation sentence after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor charge of intentionally damaging federal property. The vehicle belonged to the Federal Protective Service.
Authorities said Maurice used a brick to scratch several windows of the SUV while it was parked near the Pioneer Courthouse on April 28.
An officer returning to the vehicle caught Maurice during the act. According to court records, he dropped the brick, lay on the ground, placed his hands behind his back and told the officer he wanted to go to jail.
Repairs to the damaged windows cost more than $4,100.
Earlier courthouse incident
The vandalism occurred only days after another incident at the Multnomah County Courthouse.
Court documents state Maurice climbed onto an awning above the courthouse entrance while carrying a 12-foot metal pole. Police eventually used a ladder to bring him down after he struck a security camera, breaking its protective glass. He also damaged a nearby street sign and building address marker.
According to investigators, Maurice later told officers he damaged the property because he believed “the economy is in shackles” and said he wanted to avoid harming anyone.
Prior case and mental health treatment
Maurice was arrested for the courthouse incident, briefly released, and then vandalized the federal SUV days later before being taken back into custody, according to federal prosecutors.
He had previously been sentenced in state court to 18 months of probation after pleading guilty to first-degree criminal mischief in the courthouse case.
Defense attorneys said Maurice suffers from schizoaffective disorder and is receiving mental health treatment. They believe the federal probation supervision will help ensure he continues receiving support.
During the sentencing hearing, Amy Baggio, a U.S. District Judge, encouraged Maurice to comply with the terms of his supervision and focus on staying positive despite difficult circumstances.
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