April 15, 2015 George Land , 760-367-5507

JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK, TWENTYNINE PALMS, CA — The Swedish-Portuguese street artist Andre Saraiva, known as "Mr. Andre," has paid the fine to the U.S. District Court for vandalizing a boulder in Joshua Tree National Park. On February 27th, 2015, park officials were notified by members of the public that Saraiva had posted Instagram photos of his "work" on one and possibly a second rock formation thought to be in the park. After investigation, only one location proved to be within park borders. He was subsequently fined an undisclosed amount which was paid on April 1st after he had returned to his home in France. Saraiva was cooperative with park rangers.

Park officials are conducting on-going investigations into other incidents of defacing and vandalism of park resources. So far 3 local juveniles were charged and convicted of vandalism at Barker Dam and the investigation is targeting others of interest. Another person was recently convicted for paint vandalism at Indian Cove Campground.

JTNP Chief Ranger Jeff Ohlfs said, "We will use any and all available resources to bring those who engage in this behavior to justice." Ohlfs calls on the public to keep up the "good work" reporting incidents that they see to the nearest park ranger or by calling park dispatch at (909) 383-5651.

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