P. Coonan
2024-11-06 00:32:01 UTC
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Permalinkafter being accused of destroying a historic site in Utahs Canyonlands
National Park in March 2024.
Roxanne McKnight, 39, and Dusty Spencer, 43 both from Durango, Colorado
are accused of trespassing, disrupting, and stealing from Cave Springs
Cowboy Camp in Canyonlands National Park.
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Based on details provided in misdemeanor information documents, the pair
is accused of stealing antique nails that were on display. They are also
accused of handling and manipulating antique horse tack and cabinetry,
documents said.
According to the National Park Service, cowboys settling in canyon country
in the late 1800s lived in isolated outdoor camps and those camps were
used until 1975, when cattle ranching in the park ended.
The camp at Cave Spring was chosen because of a nearby reliable water
source. Evidence also indicates that Native American ancestors occupied
the canyons about 6,000 to 700 years ago.
This historic camp was protected by fencing and clear warnings
prohibiting visitors from entering the area, which McKnight and Spencer
disregarded, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Utah wrote in
a press release on Nov. 4.
The pair is facing the following charges:
Theft of government property, less than $1,000
Possessing or disturbing cultural or archaeological resources
Walking on or entering archaeological or cultural resource
McKnight and Spencer are set to appear in court on Nov. 8. The National
Park Service is investigating the case.
Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent
unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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