Garcia charged with vandalism misdemeanor

Boxing star Ryan Garcia was formally charged with one misdemeanor count of vandalism following his June 8 arrest for allegedly vandalizing the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills, Los Angeles County district attorney George Gascón announced Thursday.

Garcia, 25, is set to be arraigned Aug. 7 at the Airport Courthouse. If convicted, Garcia faces a maximum sentence of one year in county jail.

“While we are grateful no injuries were reported in this incident, reckless behavior that damages property shows a blatant and unacceptable disregard for the safety and peace of our community,” Gascón said. “Our office will work to ensure the responsible individual is held accountable.”

Garcia caused an estimated $15,000 in damage, a Beverly Hills Police Department watch commander told ESPN the day he was arrested. The formal charge was for $400 or more in damage or destruction of property.

“No way I’m going to jail,” Garcia posted on X after Thursday’s announcement.

Garcia (24-1, 20 KOs) was suspended one year last month by the New York Athletic Commission after he tested positive for the banned substance ostarine in the lead-up to his majority decision victory over Devin Haney in April in a major upset.

The result — Garcia floored Haney three times — was overturned to a no contest. Garcia is eligible to return in April.