Driver who vandalized Leavenworth Front Street Park sentenced

Zachary Soltis, a 29-year-old from Texas, received a sentence for vandalizing Front Street Park in Leavenworth after recklessly driving his pickup truck through the area. He pleaded guilty to Malicious Mischief in the Second Degree, with evidence showing him performing donuts in the park on December 22, 2024. His actions resulted in approximately $16,000 in damages, which led to the park's temporary closure during the winter season. Soltis was ordered to pay over $8,000 in restitution to the City of Leavenworth, serve 20 days in jail, and fulfill 160 hours of community service. The judge highlighted that his driver's license would be revoked in Texas, indicating the legal consequences of his actions.

The park serves as a vital recreational area, especially as a sledding hill in winter, emphasizing the local impact of the incident. This case underscores the importance of responsible behavior in community spaces. Local officials hope the ruling will deter similar acts of vandalism in the future.