LAS VEGAS – A federal jury has convicted two Henderson, Nev., men of damaging ancient rock formations at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area in Nevada.
According to evidence presented and statements made at trial, on April 7, 2024, Wyatt Clifford Fain and Payden David Guy Cosper pushed ancient rock formations over a cliff onto the ground below while on or near the Redstone Dunes Trail at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
Following a two-day jury trial, Fain and Cosper were each found guilty of one count of injury and depredation of government property.
United States District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey scheduled sentencing for July 8, 2025. Fain and Cosper each face a maximum penalty of one year in prison, a $100,000 fine, or both. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The National Park Service investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Skyler Pearson is prosecuting the case.
