Matthew K. Burden, a 44-year-old resident of West Yellowstone, Montana, has been sentenced following charges related to driving offenses within Yellowstone National Park. On January 23, 2025, U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephanie A. Hambrick sentenced Burden to:
- Seven days in jail
- $1,550 in fines and court costs
- Two years of unsupervised probation, during which he is banned from entering Yellowstone National Park
Burden pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol and to operating a motor vehicle without due care, considering factors like wildlife, traffic, weather, road conditions, lighting, and road character. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariel Calmes.
This sentencing serves as a reminder of the strict regulations in place to protect both visitors and the unique environment of Yellowstone National Park, emphasizing the importance of responsible behavior and adherence to park rules.
