Idaho man pleads guilty in Corona Arch graffiti case

Federal prosecutors say an Idaho man has pleaded guilty to defacing a sandstone arch near Moab by scrawling graffiti on the rock feature.

Ryan Bird Andersen entered his plea Friday in federal court in Salt Lake City.

As part of a plea agreement, the 45-year-old Idaho Falls man will pay a $1,000 fine and restitution of nearly $860 to the U.S. Bureau of Land Management for the damage done at Corona Arch.

Andersen also agreed to release a statement advocating the responsible use of public lands.

U.S. Attorney John Huber said Friday that Andersen’s conduct was troubling and that people travel from around the world to visit Utah’s spectacular sites.

Prosecutors say Andersen’s guilty plea will be held in abeyance for 18 months. During that time, he’s prohibited from entering or using any federal public land.