DeChristopher's tactics raised suspicions among other bidders in the room, and he was eventually escorted out of the BLM building.

He has not been arrested for a crime, although federal prosecutors will decide whether to charge him with a federal crime sometime this week.

Melodie Rydalch, spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney's Office for Utah, said that special agents with the FBI are finishing their investigation and will "bring their investigative report to our office on Monday and talk to the prosecutors, and based on that, a decision will be made on whether to proceed with federal charges," she said.

"If it means jail time, then that's what it takes," DeChristopher said. "But there is movement to help create a (legal) defense team, and I am prepared to deal with the consequences."

DeChristopher's only intent on entering into the bidding process was to disrupt the sale — but he has been surprised to see the effects of his actions.

Before the meeting he had not discussed his plans with anyone, he said.

The only catalyst, he said, was the general idea that more critical activism was needed before change could begin in the environmental movement.

On Saturday, DeChristopher said he felt refreshed to see and hear the response he had received from other activists and the general public supporting his cause. Through e-mail, DeChristopher said people shared their support and that his action had inspired them to take action of their own.

"What I did was significant, but it won't change the world," DeChristopher said. "But if I can inspire others with this, then it has the potential to make a significant impact."

DeChristopher said he will wait and see what the U.S. Attorney's Office decides, but for now he is looking forward to spending the holidays with his family in Colorado. While he expects his final semester at the University of Utah to be disrupted, he said he won't slow his efforts in activism.

"I have the opportunity to get my message out there, and I will take advantage of every opportunity," DeChristopher said.

---

Contributing: Laura Hancock, Stephen Speckman, Deseret News; Associated Press

E-mail: cnorlen@desnews.com