Two Men Face Trial Over Alleged Damage to Iconic Rock Formations at Lake Mead

The U.S. Department of Justice has announced that two Nevada men could each be sentenced to a maximum of 10 years in prison if found guilty of damaging ancient rock formations at Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

Wyatt Clifford Fain, 37, and Payden David Guy Cosper, 31, are charged with injury and depredation of government property, along with aiding and abetting. An Oct. 8 trial date has been scheduled for the pair.

Both men, residents of Henderson, were arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service. They made their initial court appearance on Friday, where they pleaded not guilty and were subsequently released on a personal recognizance bond, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Authorities reported that the alleged incident occurred on April 7, when Fain and Cosper reportedly pushed rock formations over a cliff edge near Redstone Dunes Trail, resulting in damages exceeding $1,000.

The Lake Mead National Recreation Area, located just outside Las Vegas, attracts approximately 6 million visitors annually. Covering 2,344 square miles, the area features diverse landscapes of mountains and desert canyons.

Park officials noted that due to staffing limitations, they often depend on the public to help monitor and protect resources within the park.