Indiana Man Ordered to Pay Restitution and Serve Probation for Defacing the Washington Monument

Defendant Was Arrested With Paint Brush In-Hand

            WASHINGTON – Shaun Deaton, 44, of Bloomington, Indiana, was sentenced today to one year of probation and was ordered to pay $3034.99 in restitution to the National Park Service for vandalizing the Washington Monument.  On September 20, 2022, Deaton traveled to Washington, DC, and defaced the Washington Monument by painting it using red paint. He was arrested with the paint brush still in his hand and red paint on his clothes and body.

            On September 22, 2022, Deaton was charged with destruction of federal property. On October 17, 2022, Deaton pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor.      

            In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves commended the work of the United States Park Police and the National Park Service. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Josh Gold.