51°F
weather icon Partly Cloudy

2 plead guilty in Devils Hole break-in Nye County

Two men have pleaded guilty to federal charges stemming from a 2016 break-in at Devils Hole, a protected spring pool in Nye County that is home to a critically endangered fish.

Edgar Reyes of North Las Vegas and Steven Schwinkendorf of Pahrump pleaded guilty to destruction of government property for their actions at Devils Hole on April 30, 2016, the National Park Service said Friday.

The men fired a gun and damaged government equipment, including locks, the security system, scientific monitoring equipment and several signs at the water-filled cavern about 90 miles west of Las Vegas.

As part of their plea, they agreed to pay $5,622.83 in restitution and face a maximum penalty of up to one year in prison and a fine of $100,000. Reyes and Schwinkendorf are scheduled for sentencing next month.

A third man, Trenton Sargent of Indian Springs, faces charges of destruction of government property, violating the Endangered Species Act and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon.

After the men broke into the fenced cavern, authorities said, Sargent waded into the water and onto a shallow rocky shelf where the endangered Devils Hole pupfish feeds, mates and lays its eggs.

Investigators said the men were caught with the help of tips from the public.

The Devils Hole pupfish has been under federal protection since 1967. Only about 100 are left in the wild, and the only place they live is in Devils Hole.

Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook.
THE LATEST
Upcoming quilt show to be a feast for the eyes

The Shadow Mountain Quilters will be bringing the 2024 Pins and Needles Quilt Show to the valley next weekend and anyone with an appreciation for the fiber arts will not want to miss out on this dazzling display of color and design.

Beatty Clinic gets tons of help with new a/c

BEATTY — The Beatty Foundation, an affiliate of AngloGold-Ashanti (AGA), did tons of good at the Beatty Clinic on March 22. Nine tons, exactly.

11th Annual Chili Cook-Off brings tempting tastings and festival fun

The 11th Annual International Chili Society and Silver State Chili Cook-Off took over Petrack Park this past weekend for three days filled with savory tastings, fun and activities and of course, some intense culinary competition.

Pahrump homeschoolers dance the night away

Pahrump Valley’s homeschool youth were whisked away into the Enchanted Forest this month, with local Moose Lodge #808 hosting a night of dancing and revelry in honor of an age-old adolescent right-of-passage, prom.

Looking for some family fun for Easter? Hop over to Simkins Park

Anyone looking for a fun, family-friendly festivity to enjoy this holiday can hop on over to Simkins Park to join the Mills family as they celebrate Easter Sunday with worship music, free food and an enormous 14,000-egg hunt that is sure to bring a smile to hundreds of faces.

Campground fees to increase at Death Valley National Park

DEATH VALLEY, Calif. — Visitors to Death Valley National Park can expect a slight increase in entrance fees for various campgrounds beginning on May 1.

Clerk staffer Cori Freidhof appointed interim leader

Nye County Clerk Mark Kampf’s time in office officially comes to a close on March 31 and deputy clerk Cori Freidhof has now been selected to assume that vacated seat. Freidhof will take over the office as of Monday, April 1 and fulfill the unexpired term ending Jan. 1, 2027.

Gaming can have impact on us

When does gaming cross the line from recreational relaxation to problematic behavior? How do video games and gambling relate? What resources are available for those who find themselves struggling to control their relationship with video games and gambling?

County eyeing impact fee increases

The cost to develop in Pahrump could go up, with a public hearing on a proposal to raise local impact fees set for next month.