Two men have been indicted after they were caught on camera allegedly damaging a 140 million-year-old rock formation in Nevada.
Footage of the two men caused outrage on social media as it showed them allegedly pushing "large chunks of ancient rock formations over the edge of a cliff", per a statement from the US Attorney’s Office, District of Nevada.
The incident occurred at Redstone Dunes Trail at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
According to CNN, the rock formation dates back a staggering 140 million years.
After the footage went viral on social media back in April, the US National Park Service asked members of the public for information in an attempt to identify the men.
The Service accused the men of a "vandalism incident", and their appeal for help has been followed by the news that the two men have been identified and indicted.
CNN reports that the two men - 37-year-old Wyatt Clifford Fain and 31-year-old Payden David Guy Cosper - were arraigned by US Marshals on Friday (August 23), with both men pleading not guilty to one count of injury and depredation of government property.
In a statement to CNN, Cosper's attorney - Ross Goodman - has said that "there were no signs posted at the entrance prohibiting pushing rocks or that it was a federally a protected site". Goodman adds that his client did not know "that pushing a boulder was unlawful".
Additionally, Fain's attorney - Brian Pugh - has stated: "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.”
However, park spokesman John Haynes told CNN affiliate KVVU has described the men's alleged actions as "appalling", saying: "Why on earth would you do this to this area that’s so beautiful? It’s one of my favorite places in the park and they’re up there just destroying it. I don’t understand that."
The damage allegedly caused by the men has been described as irreversible and costing in excess of $1,000.
If found guilty, each of the men faces up to 10 years in prison, according to the US Attorney’s Office, District of Nevada.
A jury trial has been set for October 8, 2024.
Redstone Dunes Trail at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area covers a whopping 1.5 million acres and boasts stunning mountainous views. The area attracts around 6 million visitors each year.