SIOUX CITY (KTIV) – Brandon Bradshaw returned to spray painting flowers one day after a Woodbury County jury acquitted him of charges related to painting flowers on manhole covers in Morningside.
The acquittal marked the end to a case that began Nov. 4, 2025. Bradshaw was arrested and charged with criminal mischief for spray painting manhole covers, streets and sidewalks in Sioux City. He also faced a charge of consuming alcohol in a public setting.
Some say Bradshaw’s graffiti flower designs brought color and beauty to the neighborhood. Others believed Bradshaw’s jury trial was a waste of taxpayer dollars.
46-year-old Brandon Bradshaw was in the middle of the roadway when police arrived. He was found around a manhole cover after allegedly spray-painting flower designs in various colors.(KTIV)
Friday morning, Bradshaw was back spray painting flowers on a sidewalk on private property after the owner gave him permission.
“If you ever see a bee by a flower, that’s done by me,” Bradshaw said. “These flowers mean so much to so many people.”
City attempted to resolve case before trial
Sioux City officials said the case did not need to go to trial.
Chris McGowan said the Chamber of Commerce was attempting to resolve the situation in concert with the city and the mayor.
“We were attempting to resolve the situation, not only to save taxpayer dollars associated with an expensive trial, but we were also, and I think more importantly, doing our best to ensure that we minimized the adverse press,” McGowan said.
A memorandum of agreement, that was signed between the city of Sioux City and Bradshaw, would have dismissed all charges. In the agreement, Bradshaw agreed to community service, to get permission to paint on any property and to teach art classes at the Gilchrist Learning Center at the Sioux City Art Center.
“I thought that was a fair resolution,” Sioux City Mayor Bob Scott said.
County attorney’s office proceeded with prosecution
McGowan said other people determined the agreement was not adequate. Those other people were prosecutors in the Woodbury County Attorney’s Office.
“The county attorney, that’s his job to prosecute and he decided that wasn’t enough. So the results are, the agreement’s out the window and he won’t have to do anything now. I guess that’s the way it works,” Scott said.
Woodbury County Attorney James Loomis said he was not involved in the agreement and his job is to uphold the law. Loomis offered Bradshaw a plea deal.
Brandon Bradshaw at a court hearing on Wednesday, Jan 21.(KTIV)
“I turned the plea deal down out of respect for Chris McGowan and Bob Scott,” Bradshaw said.
In a statement, Loomis explained why he chose to prosecute.
“A crime is a crime and when evidence of one is brought to our office by our partners in law enforcement we take the responsibility seriously. Maintaining consistency in how all those charged with criminal mischief is important. We will continue working every day to enforce the law fairly, professionally,” Loomis said.
What’s next
Bradshaw said he plans to continue his artwork.
“I’m just going to go through the proper channels and take my second life here and make a positive effect on it,” Bradshaw said.
Loomis said the trial did not cost Woodbury County taxpayers additional money.
In a statement to KTIV, Loomis explained the cost.
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