A pregnant Kentucky woman is facing serious legal consequences after allegedly vandalizing her ex-boyfriend’s vehicle, causing more than $12,000 in damages that mechanics later declared “completely damaged beyond repair.”
Authorities say 31-year-old Stephanie Carlquist was arrested last week and charged with one count of first-degree criminal mischief, according to court records reviewed by Law&Crime.
Carlquist’s mug shot, which shows her smiling, has drawn attention online. Under Kentucky law, first-degree criminal mischief is a Class D felony, defined as when someone “intentionally or wantonly” destroys or damages property valued at $500 or more. If convicted, she faces up to five years in prison and a potential fine of $10,000.
Two Separate Incidents of Vandalism
Court documents reveal the alleged destruction happened on two different occasions in July.
July 6: Carlquist allegedly slashed one of the tires on her ex’s car to stop him from leaving her home.
July 15: Following an argument, she is accused of pouring salt into the engine, stuffing glitter into the air conditioning vents, and shattering the windshield, mirrors, and radio screen.
By July 20, the ex-boyfriend had the car towed to a Goodyear repair shop, where mechanics estimated $12,464 in damages before concluding the vehicle could not be salvaged, according to WLKY.
The Richmond Police Department said Carlquist spoke to the tow truck driver when he arrived at her home, where she allegedly admitted to damaging the car. The driver later informed the ex-boyfriend’s mother, who co-owned the vehicle.
Investigators also obtained Instagram messages in which Carlquist appeared to confess, writing that she was “just stressed out” from her pregnancy.
“The only thing I did was put glitter in the air vents and hurt the windshield,” she wrote in one message, according to WLKY. “He was overdue for oil and motor and everything else. Oh, and the tire.”
Police records also state that Carlquist’s father contacted the ex-boyfriend directly, confirming her role in the vandalism.
“He’ll make sure Stephanie pays him back for all the damage to the car,” officers wrote in the affidavit, referencing the father’s messages. He reportedly added that he hoped to “come to a better solution than Stephanie taking a felony charge, so nobody gets hurt anymore.”
Carlquist was booked into custody on Thursday but later released on a $12,000 bond. She is scheduled to appear in court for her arraignment on Monday.
This case highlights the potential financial and legal fallout of property destruction. If found guilty, Carlquist could face felony penalties, steep fines, and lasting legal consequences, underscoring how acts of vandalism can escalate into costly criminal cases.
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