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Teen sentenced for spray-painting Bridge of Lions statue

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ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – One of two teens accused of vandalizing the Bridge of Lions by spray-painting a lion at the foot of the bridge in August has pleaded no contest and been sentenced.

Montezz Blackmon, 19, was sentenced to a year of probation, $1,200 in fines, 300 hours of community service, and he must write a letter of apology to the city.

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Prosecutors said Blackmon spray-painted the eyes and nose of a lion statue red. Police said a 15-year-old girl visiting from California admitted to having the paint but denied any involvement in painting the lion.

Both were charged with misdemeanor criminal mischief.

Police said they were able to track the teens down through anonymous tips.

The lions were sculpted in 1927 in Italy and donated to St. Augustine as a gift. They are valued at more than $200,000 each.


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