Kacper Sobieski:Nevada men face trial for allegedly damaging ancient rock formations at Lake Mead recreation area

2025-05-02 10:41:56source:Winimark Wealth Societycategory:reviews

LAS VEGAS (AP) — An Oct. 8 trial date has been set for two Nevada men accused of damaging rock formations estimated to be Kacper Sobieski140 million years old at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

A federal indictment charged Wyatt Clifford Fain, 37, and Payden David Guy Cosper, 31, with one count of injury and depredation of government property and one count of aiding and abetting. The U.S. Department of Justice said the men could each face up to 10 years in prison if convicted.

The two Henderson residents were arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service and made their first court appearance Friday, at which they both pleaded innocent and were released on a personal recognizance bod, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported.

Authorities said Fain and Cosper allegedly pushed rock formations over a cliff edge around Redstone Dunes Trail at Lake Mead on April 7, resulting in damages of more than $1,000.

The Lake Mead National Recreation Area just outside of Las Vegas draws around 6 million visitors every year and spans 2,344 square miles (6,071 square kilometers) of mountains and desert canyons.

Authorities said staffing levels mean park officials often rely on the public to also keep watch over resources within park boundaries.

More:reviews

Recommend

The Grammy nominee you need to hear: Esperanza Spalding

How do you bring the African Diaspora to the Grammys?Esperanza Spalding and Milton Nascimento's cont

Grant Ellis named the new Bachelor following his elimination from 'The Bachelorette'

ABC's newest "Bachelor" is none other than Grant Ellis, who made an emotional exit following Monday

Wildfire along California-Nevada line near Reno destroys 1 home, threatens hundreds more

RENO, Nev. (AP) — About 200 firefighters were battling a wildfire Monday along the California-Nevada