Daniel Plata, Jonathan Pavon, Vandalizing Archaeological Resource, Nevada 2019

Two men have been charged with vandalizing an archaeological site in Nevada, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada and Bureau of Land Management (BLM)-Nevada State Director Jon Raby.

According to allegations contained in the indictment, on September 19, 2019, Jonathan Pavon posted a video on his Instagram page showing Daniel Plata vandalizing property near the Schelbourne rest stop in White Pine County, Nevada, as well as property in McGill and Lund, Nevada, and rock formations within the White River Narrows Archeological District in the Basin and Range National Monument.

The indictment alleges that Pavon acted as a lookout while Plata spray-painted on rock formations that contained petroglyphs.

Daniel Plata, 25, and Jonathan Pavon, 25, were each charged with one count of conspiracy, one count of destruction of government property, and one count of unauthorized damage, alteration or defacement of archaeological resources.

An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The case is a product of an investigation by the BLM. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Kent is prosecuting the case.

To report natural resources crimes on BLM-managed public lands, please call the BLM tip line at (833) 660-5771 or email TRFOtipline@blm.gov.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-nv/pr/two-men-indicted-vandalizing-archaeological-resource