Two men convicted of damaging rock formations at Lake Mead

Two Henderson men, Wyatt Clifford Fain and Payden David Guy Cosper, were convicted by a federal jury for damaging ancient rock formations at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. On April 7, 2024, they were reported to have pushed the formations over a cliff near the Redstone Dunes Trail, an act caught on camera. Both were found guilty of one count of injury and depredation of government property after a two-day trial. U.S. District Judge Jennifer Dorsey has scheduled their sentencing for July 8, 2025, where they face a maximum penalty of one year in prison, a $100,000 fine, or both. The investigation was conducted by the National Park Service, and the case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Skyler Pearson. The convictions were announced by U.S. Attorney Sigal Chattah and Lake Mead National Recreation Area Superintendent Mike Gauthier.