Men accused of damaging 140-million-year-old rock formations at national park face up to 10 years in prison
A federal indictment charged the men with one count of injury and depredation of government property and one count of aiding and abetting.
, October 8 Trial Set for Nevada Men Accused of Damaging Lake Mead Rock Formations
Two Nevada men, Wyatt Clifford Fain (37) and Payden David Guy Cosper (31), face an October 8 trial for allegedly damaging ancient rock formations at Lake Mead National Recreation Area. The federal indictment includes charges of injury and depredation of government property, and aiding and abetting, each carrying a potential prison sentence of up to 10 years.
Fain and Cosper were arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service and initially appeared in court on Friday, where they pleaded not guilty and were released on personal recognizance bonds. Authorities allege that on April 7, the defendants pushed rock formations over a cliff edge near the Redstone Dunes Trail, causing more than $1,000 in damage.
In April, the National Park Service released a video screenshot reportedly taken on the evening of April 7, depicting two men toppling natural rock formations from a clifftop. The Lake Mead National Recreation Area receives approximately 6 million visitors annually and encompasses 2,344 square miles of mountains and desert canyons.
Park officials emphasize the importance of public vigilance due to limited staffing. The National Park Service encourages reporting suspicious activity or providing investigative assistance by calling the NPS-wide Tip Line at 1-888-653-0009 or submitting information online.
Two Nevada men, Wyatt Clifford Fain (37) and Payden David Guy Cosper (31), face an October 8 trial for allegedly damaging ancient rock formations at Lake Mead National Recreation Area. The federal indictment includes charges of injury and depredation of government property, and aiding and abetting, each carrying a potential prison sentence of up to 10 years.
Fain and Cosper were arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service and initially appeared in court on Friday, where they pleaded not guilty and were released on personal recognizance bonds. Authorities allege that on April 7, the defendants pushed rock formations over a cliff edge near the Redstone Dunes Trail, causing more than $1,000 in damage.
In April, the National Park Service released a video screenshot reportedly taken on the evening of April 7, depicting two men toppling natural rock formations from a clifftop. The Lake Mead National Recreation Area receives approximately 6 million visitors annually and encompasses 2,344 square miles of mountains and desert canyons.
Park officials emphasize the importance of public vigilance due to limited staffing. The National Park Service encourages reporting suspicious activity or providing investigative assistance by calling the NPS-wide Tip Line at 1-888-653-0009 or submitting information online.