LAS VEGAS Men Face Trial for Damaging 140-Million-Year-Old Rocks at Lake Mead

An October 8 trial date has been scheduled for Wyatt Clifford Fain, 37, and Payden David Guy Cosper, 31, both from Henderson, Nevada. The two men are accused of damaging rock formations estimated to be 140 million years old at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

A federal indictment has charged Fain and Cosper with one count of injury and depredation of government property, as well as one count of aiding and abetting. If convicted, they could each face up to 10 years in prison, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Following their arrest by the U.S. Marshals Service, Fain and Cosper appeared in court where they pleaded not guilty. They were subsequently released on a personal recognizance bond, as reported by the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

The alleged incident took place on April 7 when the two men reportedly pushed rock formations over a cliff edge near the Redstone Dunes Trail at Lake Mead, resulting in damages exceeding $1,000.

Lake Mead National Recreation Area, a popular destination just outside Las Vegas, spans over 2,344 square miles and attracts approximately 6 million visitors annually. Due to limited staffing, park officials often rely on the public to help monitor and protect the park’s resources.