WHITE COUNTY — A Harrisburg man was sentenced in White County Monday for vandalizing a park in Carmi this past summer.

White County State’s Attorney Denton Aud says 22-year-old Zachary M. Thaxton of Harrisburg was sentenced to five years in state prison with one year of mandatory supervised release for criminal damage to government property – a Class 3 felony.

Aud says Thaxton was convicted of damaging property at Burrell Park by spray painting a pavilion and other parts of Burrell Park.

Thaxton’s case was investigated by the Carmi Police Department. Thaxton was represented by Public Defender Brian Shinkle. Honorable T. Scott Webb was the presiding judge that handed down the sentence at the conclusion of a sentencing hearing. Thaxton was also ordered to pay restitution to the City of Carmi.

Also sentenced Monday was 42-year-old Freddie L. Swift of Mt. Carmel.

Swift was sentenced to five years and six months in state prison with one year of mandatory supervised release for aggravated assault – a Class 4 felony.

Aud says the Grayville Police Department was the original investigating agency. Swift was represented by Public Defender Brian Shinkle. Honorable T. Scott Webb was the presiding judge that imposed the sentence.