Jackass star Steve-O faces criminal charges for defacing a freeway sign as part of a protest against SeaWorld, if California Highway Patrol officials get their way.

Chp bosses insist the prankster, real name Stephen Gilchrist Glover, should be punished to the full extent of the law after he posted a video of himself attaching the word 'Sucks' after the words 'Sea World' on the state road sign near San Diego on YouTube.com last month (Aug14).

The incident occurred in May (14), but the identity of the person behind the prank was a mystery until the footage appeared online.

Chp officials have recommended the San Diego County district attorney's office charge Steve-O with vandalism and trespassing.

Leading activists at animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals have already agreed to pay any fine assessed against the prankster and stuntman.