Nathan Bradford LeMay, Vandalism, Arkansas 2016

FORT SMITH, Ark.

—Two Arkansas men have pleaded guilty to damaging historic mines in the Buffalo National River, a United States National Park. Nathan Bradford LeMay, 35, of Hot Springs Village, and Justin Charles Baird, 32, of Hot Springs, each pleaded guilty to one count of violating the Archaeological Resources Protection Act.

According to court documents, LeMay and Baird traveled to the Historic Rush Mining District, in Marion County, Arkansas, on multiple occasions in 2015 and 2016, to dig for mineral and geological specimens to sell at LeMay’s business, Alpena Crystals. However, their plans were foiled when a U.S. Park Ranger observed them camping in the Buffalo National River on February 14, 2016.

The Ranger obtained consent to search their campsite and vehicles, recovering digging tools and containers of geological specimens. An investigation by the National Park Service, assisted by local law enforcement and the Carroll County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, established the full extent of the pair’s illegal excavations. LeMay and Baird had excavated and damaged 22 areas within the mines, removing mineral and geological materials, and damaging the historic sites.

Dr. Caven Clark, an archaeologist with the National Park Service, conducted a resource damage assessment, determining that the cost of restoration and repair to the site was approximately $22,241. Both men face up to two years in prison and fines of up to $250,000. They have also agreed to pay $22,241 in restitution as a shared obligation.

Acting U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement. The case was investigated by special agents of the National Park Service, Investigative Services Branch, and U.S. Park Rangers at Buffalo National River, with the assistance of the Boone County, Ark. Sheriff’s Office, Eureka Springs Police Department, and the Carroll County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

The sentencing hearing for the two men will be scheduled at a later date, after reviewing pre-sentence investigation reports prepared by the U.S. Probation Office, and considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Nathan Bradford LeMay, 35, of Hot Springs Village, and Justin Charles Baird, 32, of Hot Springs, will face the consequences of their actions in damaging the historic mines in Buffalo National River.

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