FBI Albuquerque
Office of Public Affairs
(505) 889-1300
April 11, 2022

FBI Media Alert: FBI Announces Reward for Information on Santa Fe Petroglyphs Vandalism

The FBI is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading directly to the arrest of the person or persons responsible for the vandalism committed at the La Cieneguilla Petroglyphs in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

On or about January 19, 2022, spray-painted graffiti was discovered on the petroglyphs, located on property managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

Most of the petroglyphs date between the 13th and 17th centuries.

The FBI and BLM are investigating.

“Visitors from around the world come to New Mexico to admire wonderful Native American cultural resources like the La Cieneguilla Petroglyphs,” said Special Agent in Charge Raul Bujanda of the Albuquerque FBI Division. “It’s hard to believe someone would try to ruin these priceless works of art and show such disrespect for this area’s unique heritage. The FBI is asking anyone with information about this vandalism to come forward so we can ensure this crime doesn't go unpunished.”

“The impacts of damage to these petroglyphs reach beyond public enjoyment of the landscape; it destroys the tribal history within this sacred place,” stated BLM Taos Field Manager Pamela Mathis. “Additionally, this atrocious act takes away from critical scientific, historical and social resources that society cannot recreate.”

Anyone with information about this vandalism is asked to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or online at tips.fbi.gov.

The FBI poster and downloadable photos can be found at: https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/seeking-info/vandalism-investigation.