Rodrick Dow Craythorn, a 52-year-old Syracuse, Utah resident, has been brought to justice for his crimes against the United States national park system. On January 4, 2021, Craythorn pleaded guilty to charges of excavating or trafficking in archeological resources and injury or depredation to United States property in U.S. District Court.
The charges against Craythorn stem from his alleged involvement in the search for the Forrest Fenn treasure, a treasure buried somewhere within Yellowstone National Park. According to the indictment, Craythorn was found digging in the Fort Yellowstone Cemetery between October 1, 2019 and May 24, 2020. His actions led to substantial damage to important public resources, as noted by U.S. Attorney Mark Klaassen.
Craythorn’s guilty plea admits to the crimes charged against him. The potential penalties for excavating or trafficking in archeological resources include up to two years in prison, a fine of up to $20,000, and one year of supervised release. For injury or depredation to United States Property, the penalties range from not more than ten years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release.
Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl accepted Craythorn’s plea and scheduled his sentencing for March 17, 2021, in Casper, Wyoming, at the Ewing T. Kerr Federal Court House.
The case serves as a reminder that even seemingly harmless activities can have serious consequences when they involve breaking the law. Craythorn’s actions demonstrate the importance of respecting public resources and the law.
As the sentencing date approaches, the public will be watching to see the outcome of Craythorn’s case. Will he receive a harsh sentence, or will he receive a more lenient punishment? Only time will tell.
In the meantime, law enforcement and park officials will continue to work together to protect public resources and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Defendant: Rodrick Dow Craythorn
Criminal Charges: Excavating or trafficking in archeological resources, injury or depredation to United States property
City and State: Syracuse, Utah
Date: January 4, 2021
Sentence or Outcome: Plea of guilty, sentencing scheduled for March 17, 2021
Fine: Up to $20,000 for excavating or trafficking in archeological resources, up to $250,000 for injury or depredation to United States property
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Key Facts
- State: Wyoming
- Category: Public Corruption|White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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