SONORA, Calif. — A week after a group of juveniles vandalized property in a Northern California national forest, three of those juveniles returned to the park along with 40 others to clean up the mess.
Picnic tables, paved walkways, metal bear-proof recycling and trash containers, and a grill inside Stanislaus National Forest were spray painted with graffiti, racial slurs, and curse words, according to the Tuolomne County Sheriff's Facebook page.
Five juveniles and their parents went to the Sheriff’s Office and the Juvenile Detention Center to talk with law enforcement about their involvement in the vandalism. Deputies took their statements and forwarded the information to the United States Forest Service (USFS) law enforcement. One adult was also identified as a possible suspect.
USFS Public Information Officer Diana Fredlund said the kids will be cited and must stand before a federal magistrate. They could face a $250 fine for every violation. Their punishment could also include community service.
The Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office is assisting USFS law enforcement with the investigation.
The investigation began Wednesday morning when a deputy responded to a report of vandalism at the Riverside Day Use area.
Officials received a few tips and information regarding a Snapchat video of the vandalism and spoke to several people who may have been the target of the graffiti.
The damaged property has been restored and the area will reopen for visitors this weekend, according to Stanislaus National Forest officials.
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