Two men charged with vandalizing Nevada national monument

Two men were charged with allegedly vandalizing a national monument and other properties in Nevada with spray paint, officials said Monday.

A federal grand jury indicted Daniel Plata and Jonathan Pavon, both 25, U.S. Attorney Nicholas Trutanich and Bureau of Land Management Nevada State Director Jon Raby announced in a release.

The two Elko, Nev., residents were charged with conspiracy, destruction to government property, and unauthorized damage, alteration or defacement of archaeological resources.

Pavon allegedly posted a video on his Instagram page showing Plata vandalizing property in White Pine County, property in McGill and Lund, and rock formations in the White River Narrows Archaeological District in the Basin and Range National Monument. 

The White River Narrows Archaeological District is a canyon that includes one of the largest concentrations of prehistoric rock art in eastern Nevada, according to the U.S. Bureau of Land Management’s website.

Court documents allege Pavon acted as “a lookout” while Plata spray-painted, including on formations with petroglyphs, according to the release.

The two men appeared before court on March 6.

“This case reinforces the importance of law enforcement working together to maintain Nevada’s landscape, natural resources, and cultural artifacts for everyone to enjoy,” Trutanich said in a release.

Pavon and Plata reportedly spray-painted their nicknames “Velor” and “Cluer” in the locations before being stopped by state troopers while they were covered in blue paint. Officials found more than 100 cans of spray paint and painting equipment in the car, The Associated Press reported the court documents said.