Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office detains suspect after citizen report of vandalism at La Cieneguilla Petroglyph Area
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SANTA FE, N.M. – On Oct. 19, at approximately 2:19 p.m., the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office (Sheriff’s Office) received a report that an adult male was using spray paint to vandalize a petroglyph panel within the La Cieneguilla Petroglyph Area. Sheriff’s Office deputies were on the scene by 2:34 p.m. and detained the suspect for questioning.
The cultural and recreation area, managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Taos Field Office, is home to the La Cieneguilla Petroglyphs, some of which may be up to 8,000 years old. The area is known as the ancestral homeland of the Pueblo people, and is protected by the National Historic Preservation Act, the Archaeological Resources Protection Act, and the Galisteo Basin Archaeological Sites Protection Act. Through a partnership with the BLM, the Sheriff’s Office often patrols this sacred area in an effort to prevent the desecration of historical sites such as the Oct. 19 incident.
“The BLM is thankful for the community member that reported the incident and exceptionally pleased with the Sheriff’s Office for their quick response and diligent initial investigation,” stated BLM Taos Field Manager Pamela Mathis.
"These petroglyphs are historically significant cultural sites within our community, and I commend the deputies' quick action. Deputies' prompt response afforded them the ability and advantage to encounter the suspect who admitted to the vandalism. This joint law enforcement effort with the BLM provides the ability to bring Federal felony charges against the vandal," said Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza.
The BLM reminds visitors that it is illegal to damage archaeological sites and that it is disrespectful to the heritage of those whose ancestors created these images. The BLM has increased surveillance and monitoring at La Cieneguilla Petroglyphs. However, with the increased use of public lands over the last several years, public education and environmental stewardship is our most robust tool. If you witness illegal activity or acts of vandalism on public lands, please do not confront individuals or groups; take note of their appearance, vehicle type and color, and license plate if you can safely do so. The information can be reported immediately to the BLM dispatch at 1-800-637-9152.
On Jan. 24, 2022, the BLM issued a press release sharing information about recent vandalism to the petroglyph area and announcing that an investigation is ongoing. It is unknown at this time if the two incidents are related; however, both Federal crime investigations are ongoing and being led by BLM Rangers, BLM Special Agents, and the United States Attorney’s Office.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.