Tweet Facebook Mail Two Nevada men have been indicted and are set to face trial for allegedly damaging ancient rock formations at Lake Mead, in southwestern United States. Payden David Guy Cosper and Wyatt Clifford Fain were arraigned on Friday and both men pleaded not guilty to one count of injury and depredation of government property. According to allegations in the indictment and a statement from the US Attorney's Office, on April 7, 2024, the men pushed chunks of ancient rock formations over the edge of a cliff near the Redstone Dunes Trail at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, causing damage in excess of US$1,000 (A$1476).
READ MORE: More destructive weather heading to multiple states A screenshot of a video capturing the moment visitors allegedly damaged ancient rock formations. (KVVU via CNN) "There were no signs posted at the entrance prohibiting pushing rocks or that it was a federally a protected site," said Ross Goodman, an attorney representing Cosper. "Mr.
Cosper did not have any knowledge that pushing a boulder was unlawful until the US Marshalls showed up [at] his house four months later," Goodman said in a statement to CNN. Brian Pugh, the attorney representing Fain, said, "The justice system presumes that all accused of a crime are presumed innocent unless proven otherwise in a court of law. This applies to Mr.
Fain." A jury trial is set for October 8, 2024. The defendants could each face up to 10 years in prison, if convicted, according to a release.