A federal jury in Las Vegas convicted two men from Henderson, Nevada, of damaging ancient rock formations at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. The incident occurred on April 7, 2024, when Wyatt Clifford Fain and Payden David Guy Cosper pushed rock formations over a cliff near the Redstone Dunes Trail.
Following a two-day trial, both Fain and Cosper were found guilty of injuring and damaging government property. United States District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey is set to sentence the defendants on July 8, 2025. They face a maximum penalty of one year in prison, a $100,000 fine, or both. A federal district court judge will consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors before determining the sentence.
United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Lake Mead National Recreation Area Superintendent Mike Gauthier announced the verdict. The National Park Service conducted the investigation, and Assistant United States Attorney Skyler Pearson is prosecuting the case.
The public is encouraged to report suspicious activity or any information that may assist investigations to the National Park Service Tip Line at 1-888-653-0009 or submit tips online at nps_isb@nps.gov.