updated 1:39 p.m. ET April 7, 2008

SANTIAGO, Chile - An Easter Island tourist faces a $17,000 fine and three-year ban for chipping an earlobe off an ancient Maoi to take as a souvenir, Chilean press reported Saturday.

Marko Kulju, 26, of Finland also must make a public apology for damaging the figure, one of 400 volcanic-rock statues protected by Chilean law, according to the sentence recommended by an Easter Island prosecutor.

Local press reports said the sentence must be approved in court next week. Judicial authorities could not be reached on Saturday.

Kulju was surprised in the act at Anakena beach two weeks ago by a local Rapanui woman, who reported him to police on the 70-square-mile (180-square-kilometer) South Pacific island and Chilean territory.

Kulju already has said through a Chilean newspaper that he regrets the incident, which caused a national uproar.

MORE FROM NEWS

News Section Front

FAA investigating 11 air carriers on safety issues New problems on 2 Qantas planes cause delays Continental to charge $15 for first checked bag JetBlue to end Florida service from Syracuse Airlines' July on-time performance improves Blown tire forces jet to return to Los Angeles United drops planned meal charges on Europe trips Southwest to stop taking cash for drinks Funny smell prompts flight's return to airport Iran Air flight makes emergency landing in India News Section Front   Add News headlines to your news reader: