Man who vandalized satanic display at Iowa Capital takes plea deal

DES MOINES, Iowa (KCRG) - The Mississippi man charged with destroying a Satanic Temple display at the Iowa Capitol, has accepted a plea deal in the case.

The controversial display, which Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds called “objectionable,” featured a ram’s head covered with mirrors on a mannequin before being damaged. Organizers say it was a symbol of their right to religious freedom.

Cassidy initially argued that the Satanic Temple of Iowa is not a real religion and that the hate crime charge he was given violated his First Amendment rights. He was set to go to trial on June 3, but on Friday filed a plea of guilty.

Cassidy pled guilty to Criminal Mischief in the Third Degree; the plea did not include a hate crime charge attached to it.

As part of the plea deal, Cassidy will pay a $855 fine and serve two years probation. He will also have to pay restitution that has yet to be determined.