RVers who were outraged last year when photos surfaced of a woman defacing a petroglyph panel in southern Utah now have some closure. A Utah petroglyph vandal has been sentenced. Daniela Ganassim Ericksen, 47, of Ivins, Utah, was convicted for the 2024 vandalism that damaged the ancient rock art near the confluence of Buckskin and Wire Pass in Kane County.
Federal prosecutors ordered Ericksen to serve 12 months’ probation and pay $14,853.36 in fines and restitution, including $11,853.36 to repair the archaeological damage. She must also write a letter of apology to the area’s tribal stakeholders and may not enter any BLM land during her probation.
Utah petroglyph vandal riles readers
The vandalism drew strong reactions from RVtravel.com readers when the story first broke. Many expressed anger, disbelief, and frustration:
Bob: “Hopefully these two will be caught and prosecuted. With jail time and a hefty fine imposed. And banned from all federal and state lands forever. Plus have their names published on the news.”
Rick: “What is wrong with people? These were adults, for crying out loud!”
Chris M, replying to Rick: “Adults in name only. Amazing some people have no conscience at all. It would never enter most of our minds to do something like this. Takes a special type of person.”
Susan: “It’s a beautiful, majestic place. These two look old enough to know better than to scratch into the wall of petroglyphs. How ignorant can you be? I hope they catch them and throw the book at them.”
MattD: “The saddest part of this is, others will see that someone scratched something on the rock, then think it’s ok to do the same thing.”
Steve Murray: “Jail time + $50,000 fine. They can spend their time carving their stupidity in the Jail Walls.”
Measure of justice
Court documents show Ericksen entered BLM land on November 23, 2024, and defaced the petroglyph panel. The Bureau of Land Management investigated, leading to a federal warrant and her arrest. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.
For many readers who expressed outrage at the time, the sentencing provides a measure of justice. The penalties underscore how seriously federal law treats archaeological sites and highlight the importance of public vigilance in protecting these irreplaceable cultural treasures.
Source: U.S. Attorney’s Office
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RVT1236b
Only banned from BLM land while under sentencing. Should be banned for life.
Judge is too lenient. Besides the fine, she should be mandated to do “volunteer “ time getting to know the tribe and the importance of their history.
This “justice” is an injustice to all.
What is wrong with this judge?
sad state of affairs, too many of today’s judges are more on the activist side vs following the laws on the books.
How is leniency with vandalism “activism”?
If the tribal police had been vigilant on July 25, 1806, Clark would have been fined for defacing Pompeys Pillar.
Some are saying ‘what’s wrong with this women?’ I say ‘what’s wrong with this judge?’
Woman is obviously lacking any degree of self respect but the judge is an insult to a competent bench !
Out or righteous indignation I perceive this as a light sentence. On the other hand, I feel confident that the thoughtless vandal has learned a strong lesson from this and may even pass along to others how the law and people view this misguided activity. Many years ago, in Yellowstone, I saw a man toss on the trail of fumaroles the piece of scrap that results after taking a Polaroid photo. I gave him a lecture and got him to pick up his litter. He asked if I was a ranger and I told him that I was a volunteer.
Should have made her the “Latrine-Queen” of the park for 30 days, paying her own way for the stay, and hopefully someone would “tag” HER car while she was there.
If you think about it, someone a thousand or more years ago ‘defaced’ this rock and you did the same. But defacing things is not something you should do! How would you like it if I carved my initials into your front door or scratched a heart with an arrow on your car? It’s not quite the same – but it’s comparable. Think of how other people can enjoy natural beauty WITHOUT someone marring it. You got off lucky. You should be in jail for a year or two!
Another slap on the hand! Until fines and other punishment are much higher people will not learn!