Ryan Bird Andersen, a 45-year-old man from Idaho Falls, Idaho, pleaded guilty to defacing a natural feature – the Corona Arch – by scratching graffiti into the rock.
The incident took place in southern Utah, and Andersen’s actions have been deemed ‘troubling’ by the authorities. People from around the world travel to visit the Corona Arch, and its defacement has caused concern among those who value Utah’s beautiful public lands.
As part of the plea agreement, Andersen has agreed to pay the maximum fine of $1,000, full restitution of $858.32 to the Bureau of Land Management, and a processing fee of $30. He has also agreed to release a statement advocating the responsible use of public lands.
In his statement, Andersen acknowledges his mistakes and expresses his commitment to helping ensure that public lands remain pristine. He hopes that others can learn from his mistakes and act responsibly with natural treasures.
U.S. Attorney John W. Huber expressed his satisfaction with the outcome, stating that Andersen learned a valuable lesson from this prosecution. The guilty plea will be held in abeyance for a period of 18 months, during which Andersen is prohibited from entering or using any public land administered by the BLM, the National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Reclamation, and the Army Corps of Engineers.
Andersen’s sentence is a warning to those who would engage in similar behavior. Defacing public lands is a serious offense that can have far-reaching consequences. In this case, Andersen’s actions have resulted in a guilty plea, fines, and restitution. His statement serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting and protecting our natural treasures.
Ryan Andersen’s statement in full:
Dear Friends and Concerned Citizens,
I want you all to know that I have reached an agreement with the government to account for my actions last spring at the Corona Arch in southern Utah. With that agreement I have accepted responsibility for my conduct and have agreed to pay a fine and full restitution to address the damage caused to the arch.
Although I have resolved my case with the government, I will remain committed to helping ensure that our public lands remain pristine. In the future, I hope that others can learn from my mistakes and always act responsibly with our natural treasures.
Sincerely,
Ryan Andersen
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Key Facts
- State: Utah
- Category: Public Corruption
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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