Additional Coverage:
- Men accused of damaging 140 million-year-old rock formations (newsbreak.com)
A trial is scheduled for October 8 for two men from Nevada, Wyatt Clifford Fain, 37, and Payden David Guy Cosper, 31, who are accused of vandalizing ancient rock formations at Lake Mead National Recreation Area. The rocks, dating back 140 million years, sustained significant damage. The charges against Fain and Cosper include one count of injury and depredation of government property and aiding and abetting, with potential penalties of up to 10 years in prison each if convicted.
The U.S. Department of Justice reports the men made their initial court appearance last Friday, pleading not guilty. They were subsequently released on a personal recognizance bond, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
The incident occurred on April 7 near the Redstone Dunes Trail, where it’s alleged that the two men shoved the rock formations over the cliff, causing over $1,000 in damages. This act was captured on a video circulated in social media, showing the men actively pushing the boulders off the cliff.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area, located just outside Las Vegas, attracts approximately 6 million visitors annually and encompasses over 2,300 square miles of diverse landscapes, including mountains and desert canyons. Due to staffing constraints, park officials often depend on visitors to help monitor and protect the natural and cultural resources within the park boundaries.
Read More About This Story:
- Men accused of damaging 140 million-year-old rock formations (newsbreak.com)