Two Elko Residents Were Sentenced to Prison for Conspiring to Paint Graffiti Near White River Narrows in Lincoln County

NEVADA – Two Elko residents were sentenced to prison Friday for conspiring to paint graffiti at White River Narrows in Lincoln County. White River Narrows is a sacred spot for the Paiute and Shoshone tribes because of its prehistoric petroglyphs.

According to court filings, Jonathan Pavon, aka “Cluer,” 28, and Daniel Plata, aka “Velor,” 28, planned to spray paint “Cluer” and “Velor” at White River Narrows, including a 20-foot-long graffiti image on a petroglyph-covered rock face.

Pavon pleaded guilty to conspiracy and ARPA in June 2022. On Nov. 4, 2022, he received six months for the misdemeanor and a year and a day for the felony. Sentences are served simultaneously.

Plata pleaded guilty to minor archeological harm in 2022. On Nov. 4, 2022, he was sentenced to four months in prison and eight months at home.

“No reparation or rehabilitation can reverse the damage done by individuals who vandalized White River Narrows,” said U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada. “Our Office will continue to hold accountable anyone who desecrates tribal lands and artifacts.”

The BLM investigated, and the US Attorney’s Office for Nevada prosecuted.

Credits: Fox Reno