Nevada men are on trial for allegedly damaging ancient rock formations at Lake Mead

LAS VEGAS (AP) — A trial date has been set for Oct. 8 for two Nevada men accused of damaging rock formations. 140 million years old at Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

In a federal indictment, Wyatt Clifford Fain, 37, and Payden David Guy Cosper, 31, were charged with one count of battery and plunder of government property and one count of aiding and abetting. The U.S. Department of Justice said the men could each face up to 10 years in prison if convicted.

The two Henderson residents were arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service and made their first court appearance Friday, where they both pleaded not guilty and were released on personal recognizance, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported.

Authorities said Fain and Cosper allegedly pushed rock formations over a cliff edge around Redstone Dunes Trail near Lake Mead on April 7, resulting in more than $1,000 in damage.

The Lake Mead National Recreation Area, just outside Las Vegas, attracts approximately 6 million visitors annually and covers 6,071 square miles of mountains and desert canyons.

Authorities say staffing levels mean park officials often rely on the public to also monitor resources within park boundaries.