Two individuals from Durango, Colorado, are facing criminal charges after allegedly trespassing at the historic Cave Springs Cowboy Camp in Canyonlands National Park, Utah, and stealing artifacts. The accused, a 39-year-old woman and a 43-year-old man, reportedly entered a fenced-off area of the park where they handled and stole numerous historic artifacts on March 23.
The U.S. Attorney's Office of the District of Utah announced that both individuals have been charged with theft of government property worth less than $1,000, possessing or distributing cultural or archaeological resources, and entering an archaeological or cultural resource without authorization. They are scheduled to appear before Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Dustin B. Pead at the United States District Court in Moab on November 8.
The historic camp, protected by fencing and clear warning signs prohibiting entry, houses artifacts from pioneer cattle ranchers dating back to the late 1800s. Additionally, the site features ancient rock carvings created by indigenous tribes approximately 6,000 years ago.
Court documents revealed that among the stolen items were antique nails. In May, Canyonlands National Park released trail camera photos of the suspects to aid in their identification.
Park officials emphasized that the individuals disregarded 'no trespassing' signs and were captured on video removing artifacts from a cabinet and mishandling historic harnesses, potentially causing damage. Law enforcement rangers at Canyonlands National Park are seeking assistance from the public to identify the suspects involved in this archaeological theft incident at Cave Spring Cowboy Camp in the Needles district of the park.
