Vandalism at Red Rock Is Felony
Graffiti on public buildings or land is always against the law, but when it is done on ancient art, it becomes a felony crime thanks to the Archaeological Resources Protection Act.
Recently, the Friends of Red Rock Canyon have found vandalism on some of the ancient Native American art on the rocks. The vandalism is maroon graffiti that covers much of the rocks, including the almost 2,000 year old pictographs on the rock. It is believed that the rocks were painted by the Virgin Anasazi or Paiute, both of whom were local to the area a couple thousand years ago.
While spray paint vandalism is normally a misdemeanor offense, here it is a felony that could result in up to 5 years in prison and up to $100,000 in fines. According to the Bureau of Land Management, in order to properly clean and restore the rocks and their paintings, it will cost around $10,000. Anyone with information about the graffiti artist is encouraged to come forward for a reward of $2,500.
Contact a Las Vegas Criminal Defense Lawyer at our firm if you have been accused of a criminal offense.