Joseph Aita, a 62-year-old from Colorado Springs, was sentenced to seven days in jail for walking off a designated trail in a restricted thermal area within Yellowstone National Park. Aita, along with co-defendant Celia Aita and two minor children, entered the protected area of Canary Spring in Mammoth Hot Springs, which is strictly off-limits to protect the park’s delicate geothermal features.
Aita pleaded guilty to two charges: walking off the designated path and damaging a mineral resource. As part of his sentence, he received five years of probation, during which he is banned from Yellowstone National Park. Additionally, he was fined $3,000 and required to pay $60 in court fees. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariel Calmes, with U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephanie A. Hambrick presiding over the sentencing on October 31 in Mammoth, Wyoming.
The Yellowstone thermal areas are sensitive ecosystems, and park rules are strictly enforced to protect both visitors and natural resources. Park visitors are reminded to always stay on designated paths and respect all posted signage to ensure their safety and the preservation of the park.
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