Two Teens Identified in Utah Rock Art Vandalism
Two teenage siblings have been identified as the responsible parties in the Memorial Day vandalism of a popular rock art panel in Carbon County, Utah. One teenager expressed remorse, but families will still be held responsible for subsequent fines.
The Wrong Kind of Holiday Weekend Fun
The vandalism was first discovered on the popular rock art wall in Nine Mile Canyon just northeast of Price, Utah, back in May of this year. The panel depicting a pregnant buffalo got a new bit of art that doesn’t date back to the period of the original artwork (900-1250 A.D. during the Fremont Indian period), but it did have its own date. The vandalism in question was three initials “JMN” and “5/25/14.”
When it was first discovered, a Carbon County property owner reported to authorities that a teenager had confessed to him to carrying out the act of vandalism, but it wasn’t until this week that the news was released about finding the teenagers responsible. It is unknown at this point whether one of the siblings is the same one who admitted guilt to the property owner. It has been reported that the two siblings are ages 14 and 17 years old and were visiting from the Salt Lake City area.
One of the juveniles apologized and stated, “I hope people try to think about the consequences and the effect their actions have on history.”
Vandalism Consequences
Vandalism is also known as “criminal mischief” and depending on the severity of the damage can range from a class B misdemeanor up to a second degree felony. In this case, the damage has been estimated at $1500 to repair, which would put it at a third degree felony (between $1000-$5000).
The family has agreed to pay the damages, but at this point, there hasn’t been any indication whether additional charges will be filed. Given the age of the teenagers and the fact that the case will be handled in juvenile court, there are several other options available besides those given to adult offenders. In addition to restitution, a juvenile offender guilty of vandalism may also receive fines, probation, diversion [similar to probation except successful completion results in charges being dropped] or potentially time in a juvenile detention center.
If your son or daughter has been charged with vandalism, make sure you contact an experienced juvenile defense attorney who will inform you of all of the potential options and look out for the best interests of your child.
