Actress can pay fine or appear in court says Forest Service

Authorities say actress Vanessa Hudgens can pay a fine and restitution or appear in court for allegedly carving a heart into red rock in Sedona two months ago. Hudgens posted a photo of the carving, bearing the names Vanessa and Austin, on her Instagram around Valentine's Day. It was brought to the attention of the Coconino National Forest, which manages land around Sedona renowned for the towering red rocks. Damaging a natural feature on U.S. Forest Service land is a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail and a maximum $5,000 fine. Forest Service officials said Tuesday that they contacted Hudgens, who "was cooperative in providing the specific location" of the carving. They referred the investigation results to the U.S. Attorney's Office in Flagstaff, which set a potential hearing date and contacted Hudgens...more