Tourists face charges for stealing artifacts from national park

Historic theft in Canyonlands National Park

In a shocking incident that has drawn national attention, two tourists from Colorado are facing federal charges for allegedly stealing numerous historic artifacts from Canyonlands National Park in Utah. Roxanne McKnight, 39, and Dusty Spencer, 43, are accused of trespassing in a restricted area known as Cave Springs Cowboy Camp, where they reportedly took multiple preserved artifacts, including antique nails, on March 23. This area is significant as it houses remnants from the camps of pioneer cattle ranchers dating back to the late 1800s.

Ignoring warnings and regulations

The couple’s actions were particularly brazen, as they blatantly ignored the fencing and clear “no trespassing” signs that marked the historic site. The park’s website explicitly states that entering, touching, or climbing on archaeological sites is strictly prohibited. The Cave Springs Cowboy Camp is not just a historical site; it also contains rock carvings created by Indigenous tribes that date back approximately 6,000 to 7,000 years, making the preservation of these artifacts crucial for cultural heritage.

Evidence captured on camera

According to reports, McKnight and Spencer were caught on trail cameras as they hopped the fence and handled the artifacts. Park rangers noted that they allegedly removed items from a cabinet and mishandled historic harnesses, which posed a risk of damage to these valuable pieces of history. The charges against them include theft of government property valued under $1,000, possession of archaeological resources, and unauthorized entry into archaeological sites. Both individuals are scheduled to appear in court on November 8, as the National Park Service continues its investigation into this alarming case.