Daniela Ganassim Ericksen, Petroglyph Defacement, Utah 2024

ST. GEORGE, Utah – In a shocking act of vandalism, Daniela Ganassim Ericksen, a 47-year-old resident of Ivins, Utah, has been sentenced for defacing petroglyphs on Bureau of Land Management land located in Kane County, Utah.

According to court documents, on November 23, 2024, Ericksen entered onto U.S. BLM land near the confluence of Buckskin and Wire Pass in Kane County and vandalized archaeological resources, specifically a petroglyph panel.

The court ordered Ericksen to 12 months’ probation and ordered her to pay a total of $14,853.36 in fines and restitution. Ericksen was also ordered to send a letter of apology to the relevant stakeholder tribes in the area and is prohibited from entering onto Bureau of Land Management land during her probationary period.

As a result of her illegal conduct, the cost to restore and repair the damage is $11,853.36. This staggering amount is a clear indication of the severity of Ericksen’s actions and the importance of preserving our nation’s cultural heritage.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Land Management and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joseph M. Hood of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah.

United States Attorney Melissa Holyoak for the District of Utah made the announcement, stating that the protection of our nation’s cultural resources is a top priority.

This sentence serves as a reminder that vandalism and destruction of our nation’s cultural heritage will not be tolerated. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as more information becomes available.

Related Federal Cases