Michael Cassidy, a Navy Reserve veteran and former Republican congressional candidate, pleaded guilty to criminal mischief for beheading a Satanic statue in the Iowa State Capitol in December 2023. Initially charged with a felony hate crime, the charges were dropped in exchange for his guilty plea. Cassidy will face two years of probation, an $855 fine, and undetermined restitution costs. The incident has sparked a debate on tolerance for demonic displays within Christianity.
According to the Republic Sentinal:
Davis Younts, an attorney who represents Cassidy, said in remarks to The Sentinel that prosecutors “finally agreed to drop the hate crimes enhancement after months-long legal battles over every aspect of this case,” crediting the Americans who supported Cassidy and enabled him to hire multiple attorneys who successfully pressured the state to dismiss the charges.
“It is because of the people that came to his aid and an outstanding legal team that we were able to back the prosecutors into a corner and get this resolution,” Younts said. “Instead of a felony hate crime and jail time, Cassidy received deferred judgment for damage to property and the conviction will be expunged once the court process is complete. Forcing the prosecutors to drop the hate crime is a huge victory for Cassidy and for religious freedom.”
Christians are rejoicing at the announcement, as Cassidy will avoid jail time.
