The Dyersville man who drove onto The Field of Dreams movie site last January has been sentenced. Austin Pape told the Dubuque County courtroom on Monday that he made a bad decision when he drove his car onto the field and caused over $5,000 in damages.

Pape entered a guilty plea to criminal mischief, a class D felony. Prosecutors dropped charges of reckless driving. Attorneys told the judge in the case that it was clear that Pape made a poor choice but that he had owned up to his crime. Pape also spoke to the judge saying that he still wanted to be part of the community and didn't want to lose his right to vote. His attorney also said that his client had received a fair amount of public shaming over the incident.

Also playing into the judge's decision were comments from Field of Dreams Preservationist Denise Stillman. She said that she did not want Pape's life ruined over a bad decision. Stillman has since passed away.

Pape will have to pay a $750 fine, pay restitution, and complete 50 hours of community service.

 

[via KCRG]

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