LOS ANGELES — Ryan Garcia had a misdemeanor vandalism charge dismissed on Tuesday after a judge noted that the boxer has compensated the Waldorf Astoria hotel, which reported over $15,000 in damages, and has no prior criminal history.

Judge James P. Cooper III approved a civil compromise at the Airport Courthouse despite opposition from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office. The judge also gave Garcia a cautionary talk while he stood beside his lawyer, Michael Goldstein.

“Mr. Goldstein and I have witnessed many athletes quickly lose their wealth, as people flock to them for the fun when they have money,” Cooper remarked. “Once that cash runs out, those friends tend to vanish. Just look at Mike Tyson or Muhammad Ali; similar outcomes occur for many in your profession…

“Heed Mr. Goldstein and listen to older mentors. We’ve gained valuable insights over time, and we understand how things operate. Best of luck to you, young man.”

Garcia expressed his gratitude, saying, “Thank you, your honor.”

Deputy district attorney Eric Algorri objected to the judge’s decision to dismiss the case by civil compromise, arguing it involved extensive damage to luxury hotel items.

Damaged items reportedly included a mounted TV, a refrigerator, two hallway light fixtures, a vase, and a metal cover for a door hinge, as stated by Pamela J. Johnson from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.

However, Cooper dismissed these objections, clarifying his rationale for the ruling.

“Accepting the hotel’s account that they received full compensation and are not seeking further legal action means I’m merely expediting what would have happened anyway,” Cooper explained. “The court often issues restitution orders, out of which victims rarely see compensation. However, in this case, given that the defendant has returned full restitution, it shows a degree of remorse for his actions, and thus he should reap the rewards of that agreement.”

Outside the courthouse, Garcia told YSL News Sports, “I’m just grateful for a favorable outcome. I’m ready to move forward and improve.”

Previously, Deputy District Attorney Eric Algorri objected to dismissing the case, citing the luxury nature of the items involved. The damages noted included a mounted television, a refrigerator, sconces, a vase, and door hinge casing, according to Pamela J. Johnson, a representative of the District Attorney’s Office.

The 26-year-old boxer is currently facing a one-year suspension for a positive drug test taken the day before and of his fight against Devin Haney on April 20 in Brooklyn. Additionally, on September 27, Haney initiated a lawsuit against Garcia for fraud, battery, and breach of contract due to the positive test.

The legal proceedings began on June 8 when Garcia was arrested by Beverly Hills Police at the Waldorf Astoria on a felony vandalism charge.

“The Beverly Hills Police treated him excellently,” Garcia’s lawyer, Michael Goldstein, said. “Their professionalism was commendable, and we appreciated it.”

Goldstein emphasized the importance of Garcia’s restitution and lack of a criminal record in influencing the judge’s decision. While an alternative could have been pre-trial diversion, Goldstein noted that it would not have scaled down the issue. “The court wished to avoid hindering his training and not allowing this matter to take space in his thoughts. Now he can focus on his goals unhindered.”

The District Attorney’s office chose to pursue the case on July 18 and subsequently lowered it to a misdemeanor charge.

Following this, Garcia entered a not guilty plea on August 8 during his arraignment.

(This report has been updated to include new insights.)