Anti-Abortion Advocate Arrested for Sphere Climb Released on Bond

Las Vegas, NV – Maison Des Champs, a 24-year-old self-proclaimed skyscraper climber and anti-abortion advocate, has been released from custody after posting bond. Des Champs was set to appear in court for an initial hearing on Thursday, but the hearing was canceled as he had already posted a surety bond, according to court records.

Des Champs made headlines on Wednesday after successfully climbing to the top of the Sphere, an incident that he documented on his Instagram account. His actions were said to be part of a fundraising effort to dissuade a woman from obtaining an abortion, as confirmed by a friend of Des Champs who spoke to the Review-Journal.

The charges against Des Champs include destruction of property, conspiracy to destroy property, and disregarding the safety of persons or property, as stated in court records. This is not the first time Des Champs has faced legal consequences for his actions. Last year, he was arrested for scaling the Aria hotel in protest of COVID-19 related mandates.

In connection to Des Champs’ Sphere climb, three individuals also faced charges. Aaron Hurley (39), Lori Hurley (38), and David Velasquez (25) were arrested alongside Des Champs and accused of assisting him during the climb while filming the incident. The charges against them include disregarding the safety of persons or property, destruction of property, and conspiracy to destroy property. Additionally, Velasquez faces a charge for operating a drone in a manner endangering to life or property, according to court records.

Justice of the Peace Rebecca Saxe released all three individuals on their own recognizance Thursday afternoon. Saxe ordered them to stay away from the Strip and prohibited them from having any contact with Des Champs. While expressing concern about the situation and how Des Champs’ actions diverted attention from other emergencies, Saxe also acknowledged that none of the defendants had a previous criminal history.

During the hearing, it was revealed that Aaron Hurley is an anti-abortion advocate who delivers talks at churches and has appeared on Des Champs’ social media accounts. The judge cautioned Hurley about maintaining no contact with Des Champs during the case and explained the potential consequences if the court’s order is violated.

Saxe emphasized, “If the court finds that you have violated this court’s no contact order, you may be returned back into custody and face additional charges.”

Credits: Review Journal