An example of the ancient pictographs carved into the walls of Hells Canyon. (credit: C Ripley)
Felony charges have been filed against three Lewiston men for allegedly vandalizing ancient Indian pictographs near Hells Gate State Park.
According to the Nez Perce County Sheriff’s Office, Freddie Bernal, 19, Tyler Carlson, 21, and Jerad Bovencamp, 22, have been charged with malicious injury to property for spray-painting graffiti on animal figure and geometric pictographs on the basalt wall.
Nez Perce County Chief Deputy Alan Johnson says investigators received a tip that led to the suspects.
NPC Chief Deputy Alan Johnson talks about what led to the arrests.
Although the case remains open, no other suspects or arrests are expected at this time.
Johnson explains where the charges stand.
Many of the pictographs are believed to be 2,500 years old. The damage violates the federal Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979.
The charges each carry a 1- to 5-year prison sentence and a fine of up to $1,000.
