Ricky Alderete, 45, has admitted to the felony theft and damage of a bronze Jackie Robinson statue in Kansas.

The statue was discovered damaged and discarded in a city park, with the intent of selling the metal for scrap.

Alderete's actions are not considered hate crimes but still carry a potential sentence of over 19 years.

He is also responsible for restitution, amounting to $41,500, to the youth baseball group that owned the statue.

The remnants of the statue have been donated to the Negro League Baseball Museum.

Public support has been strong, with an online fundraiser for the statue's restoration exceeding a $75,000 goal.

Sentencing for Alderete is set for July 1.