August 26, 2024 – LAS VEGAS, NV – A federal grand jury indicted two Henderson men for allegedly damaging ancient rock formations at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area in Nevada.

According to allegations contained in the indictment, on April 7, 2024, Wyatt Clifford Fain (37) and Payden David Guy Cosper (31) pushed large chunks of ancient rock formations over the edge of a cliff onto the ground below while on or near the Redstone Dunes Trail at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, resulting in damages in excess of $1,000.

Fain and Cosper were each charged with one count of injury and depredation of government property and one count of aiding and abetting. They were arrested by the United States Marshals Service, and they made their initial court appearance on Friday, August 23, 2024, before United States Magistrate Judge Nancy Koppe. A jury trial has been scheduled for October 8, 2024, before United States District Judge Jennifer Dorsey.

If convicted, the defendants each face up to ten years imprisonment.

United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and United States Marshal Gary Schofield for the United States Marshals Service made the announcement.

The National Park Service investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Skyler Pearson is prosecuting the case.

If you see something suspicious in any National Park location, or if you have information that could aid an investigation, call the NPS-wide Tip Line at 1-888-653-0009 or submit a tip online at https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1563/submit-a-tip.htm.

An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Source: DOJ Release