Suspects named in graffiti case

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By Anne Harding

Summary

Lewiston men accused of defacing historical pictographs at Hells Gate Park.

Story Published: Mar 7, 2010 at 1:33 PM PST

Story Updated: Mar 7, 2010 at 1:33 PM PST

LEWISTON - The Nez Perce County Sheriff's Office says charges are being sought against three Lewiston men for the defacement of historic Nez Perce Tribal pictographs at Hells Gate State Park.

The sheriff's office is requesting that the prosecuting attorney's office file felony Malicious Injury to Property charges against 19-year-old Freddie Bernal, 21-year-old Tyler Carlson and 22-year-old Jerad Bovencamp.

The three are accused of defacing the pictographs on the rock formations located in the Red Elk Rock Shelter area, also known as Hens and Chicks.

Nez Perce County Chief Deputy Alan Johnson said an investigation of the graffiti and the public's help led them to the suspects.

Nez Perce County Prosecutor Dan Spickler said filing the charges will take some time. He's said he's waiting to hear if the U.S. Attorney's Office wants to pursue federal charges and he needs to verify how much it will cost to restore the pictographs.

He said at least $10,000 worth of damage must occur for a felony charge.

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