Man sentenced to 3 years of probation for destroying Virgin Mary statue

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) – A man was sentenced on Thursday to three years of probation for destroying a statue of the Virgin Mary at a Milwaukee church.

Joshua Cisero pleaded guilty to two misdemeanors, criminal damage to property and disorderly conduct. The incident happened in August outside of St. Adalbert’s Church on the city's south side.

A witness caught the incident on cell phone video.

At the sentencing, the judge talked about the seriousness of Cisero’s actions and religious freedom.

“What this has something to do with is ignorance, religious intolerance and immaturity,” Judge Glenn Yamahiro said.

Cisero was also ordered to 50 hours of community service. If he completes the terms of his sentence, the charges will be dropped from his record.