Federal charges filed against National Park visitors accused of 'destroying' historical site and stealing artifacts

MOAB, Utah (KTVX) – Two people from Colorado are facing federal charges after being accused of "destroying" a historic site at a Utah national park earlier this year.

Roxanne McKnight, 39, and Dusty Spencer, 43 — both from Durango, Colorado — are accused of trespassing, disrupting and stealing from Cave Springs Cowboy Camp in Canyonlands National Park in March 2024.

Based on details provided in misdemeanor information documents, the pair is accused of stealing antique nails that were on display. They are also accused of "handling and manipulating antique horse tack and cabinetry," documents said.

According to the National Park Service, cowboys settling in canyon country in the late 1800s lived in "isolated outdoor camps," and those camps were used until 1975 when cattle ranching in the park ended.

The camp at Cave Spring was chosen because of a nearby reliable water source. Evidence also indicates that Native American ancestors occupied the canyons about "6,000 to 7,000 years ago."

"This historic camp was protected by fencing and clear warnings prohibiting visitors from entering the area, which McKnight and Spencer disregarded," the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Utah wrote in a press release issued Nov. 4.

The pair is facing the following charges:

• Theft of government property, less than $1,000
• Possessing or disturbing cultural or archaeological resources
• Walking on or entering archaeological or cultural resource

The National Park Service is investigating the case. McKnight and Spencer are appearing in court on Friday.