Jury Convicts Two Men Of Damaging Rock Formations At National Recreation Area In Nevada

LAS VEGAS – A federal jury convicted two Henderson, Nev., men today 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.

United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Lake Mead National Recreation Area Superintendent Mike Gauthier 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 or if you have information that could help an investigation, call the National Park Service Tip Line at 1-888-653-0009 or submit a tip online to nps_isb@nps.gov. 

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