Accused State Capitol Spray Painter Sentenced to 5 Years for Unrelated Crimes

Shelby Smith faces prison time for probation violations, not the Capitol vandalism charges.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Shelby Smith, the individual accused of spray-painting graffiti on the Oklahoma State Capitol building in January, was sentenced to 5 years in prison on Wednesday for unrelated probation violations. Smith's probation was revoked due to failed polygraph tests and failure to register as a sex offender, though no court date has been set yet for the Capitol vandalism charges.

Why it matters

The sentencing of Smith highlights how the individual faces separate legal issues beyond the high-profile Capitol vandalism incident, which has raised concerns about security and public property damage in Oklahoma City. The unrelated probation violations took precedence in this case, though the Capitol incident remains an open investigation.

The details

According to court records, Smith's probation was revoked for failed polygraph tests related to viewing pornography and failing to register as a sex offender. At a probation violation hearing, Smith was ordered to serve 5 years in prison on these unrelated charges, separate from the January 23rd arrest for allegedly vandalizing the Oklahoma State Capitol, OKC Civic Center, and OKC Municipal Court building.

  • On January 13, Smith allegedly spray-painted graffiti on the Oklahoma State Capitol, OKC Civic Center, and OKC Municipal Court building.
  • On January 23, Smith was arrested in connection with the Capitol vandalism incident.
  • On February 19, 2026, Smith appeared in Cleveland court and was sentenced to 5 years in prison for the probation violations.

The players

Shelby Smith

The individual accused of spray-painting graffiti on the Oklahoma State Capitol building and other government properties in January.

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What’s next

No information has been released on a court date for Smith's January 23rd arrest related to the Capitol vandalism charges.

The takeaway

While Smith faces separate legal issues beyond the high-profile Capitol vandalism incident, the unresolved charges related to that event continue to raise concerns about security and property damage in Oklahoma City.