Jason A. Sparks, who found himself in the news after he was photographed smashing a large plate-glass window in downtown St. Paul during the Republican National Convention, entered a guilty plea Monday in Ramsey County District Court.
Sparks, 24, of Fridley, pleaded guilty to an amended charge of aiding and abetting criminal damage to property.
Prosecutor Richard Dusterhoft said defense attorney Ted Dooley pointed out that a video of the incident appeared to show that someone had already thrown a rock through the window at the First National Bank Building.
Sparks just helped finish the job, he said.
The damage was more than $1,000, according to court documents.
According to the criminal complaint, Sparks was part of a group of protesters who left the established parade route on Sept. 1 and damaged public and private property as they "descended into St. Paul."
Although Sparks was wearing a bandana over his face, two people called police and identified him after the photographs were published in the media, the complaint said.
Sparks also was photographed without the bandana at the State Capitol grounds before the vandalism.
The plea agreement calls for a stay-of-imposition sentence, allowing Sparks to avoid prison time, probation and a maximum of 60 days in jail.
He will be sentenced July 16 by District Judge Paulette Flynn.
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