In a news conference on Tuesday, Wichita police announced the arrest of a 45-year-old man in connection with the theft of a Jackie Robinson statue from McAdams Park on January 25th. The suspect, Ricky Alderete, has been charged with felony theft and making false information. The bronze statue, put up by the nonprofit organization League 42 in 2021, was initially believed to have been stolen and vandalized in a racially-motivated hate crime. However, police stated that their investigation did not uncover any evidence to support this theory. Instead, they believe the theft was motivated by the financial gain of scrapping the common metal.

Detectives conducted approximately 100 interviews during their investigation to determine who was responsible for the crime and why it was committed. Alderete was apprehended earlier this month in an unrelated case, and police were able to charge him in connection with the statue theft. Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan stated that Alderete's arrest was just the first, and there are more suspects to come. He expressed his eagerness to share additional details about the investigation once more individuals are in custody.

The statue, one of only four of Jackie Robinson in the nation, was found dismantled and burned in a small trash fire by the Wichita Fire Department. Alderete allegedly cut the statue off at the ankles and placed it on a pickup truck. The remains of the statue were unsalvageable. League 42, which aims to support underserved youth through baseball and education initiatives, raised $194,780 through an online campaign to replace the stolen statue. However, the Major League Baseball (MLB) announced on February 1st that they would be replacing the vandalized statue themselves. The MLB will also provide funds to League 42 to support their programs and enhance security around the statue area.

Ricky Alderete is currently in jail on a $150,000 bond. In addition to the charges related to the statue theft, he also faces charges of felony theft, aggravated criminal damage to property, identity theft, making false information, contempt of court, kidnapping, and a probation violation. Alderete has a criminal record that includes burglary and theft.

The theft of the statue sparked an outpouring of support from the community, with donations reaching nearly $300,000. Bob Lutz, the executive director of League 42, expressed gratitude for the donations and stated that the extra funds could be used to enhance their programming and facilities. Lutz also mentioned that a replacement statue could be erected within a matter of months, as the mold for the statue is still viable.

Jackie Robinson, a baseball legend and civil rights icon, played for the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro Leagues before breaking the color barrier in Major League Baseball with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. His impact on the sport and society as a whole continues to be celebrated and honored. Robinson passed away in 1972, but his legacy lives on.