A federal grand jury in Nevada has indicted two men, Wyatt Clifford Fain, 37, and Payden David Guy Cosper, 31, for allegedly toppling ancient red rock formations in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area earlier this year. The men, both residents of Henderson, Nevada, face serious federal charges, including injury and depredation of government property, as well as aiding and abetting.

The incident occurred on April 7, 2023, along the Redstone Dunes Trail, where Fain and Cosper allegedly pushed the rocks off a cliff, causing them to fall and shatter on the ground below. The act, which was captured on video and later shared on social media, has sparked widespread outrage. Federal prosecutors have stated that the damage caused by the incident exceeded $1,000.

The men were subsequently arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service and made their first court appearance in federal court in Nevada, where they both pleaded not guilty. The trial is scheduled to begin on October 8, 2023. If convicted, Fain and Cosper could face up to 10 years in federal prison.

Fain and Cosper are charged under 18 U.S.C. § 1361, which covers the injury or depredation of government property. This federal statute makes it a crime to willfully injure or commit depredation against any property of the United States, or any department or agency thereof. The statute applies broadly to acts of vandalism, destruction, or other forms of damage to government-owned property, including national parks and monuments.

Under 18 U.S.C. § 1361, if the damage to government property exceeds $1,000, the offense is classified as a felony, carrying a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a potential fine. For damages of $1,000 or less, the offense is considered a misdemeanor, with a maximum penalty of one year in prison.

In this case, federal prosecutors have determined that the damage caused by Fain and Cosper meets the threshold for felony charges, given the significant harm done to the ancient rock formations, which are protected as part of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

The red rock formations in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, where the incident took place, are of immense geological and historical significance. According to the National Park Service, the reddish sandstone landscape was formed from desert dunes that existed around 140 million years ago. These formations are not only a natural wonder but also an important part of the area's environmental heritage.

The National Park Service and local authorities have expressed deep concern over the destruction of these ancient rocks. John Haynes, a spokesperson for the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, described the incident as "appalling" and "disgusting," reflecting the broader public sentiment regarding the desecration of such a significant natural site.

The indictment of Fain and Cosper underscores the seriousness with which federal authorities view acts of vandalism against protected natural sites. National parks and recreation areas are safeguarded under federal law to preserve their ecological, cultural, and historical integrity for future generations. The charges brought against the two men reflect the government's commitment to enforcing these protections and deterring similar acts of destruction.