Maine fugitive caught and sentenced for earlier stunt to gain attention at Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park

News Launch Date: July 2, 2021

Make contact with: Morgan Warthin, 307-344-2015

Performing United States Lawyer Bob Murray declared now that AARON E. MERRITT, age 37 of Madison, Maine pleaded guilty to trespassing on the Aged Trustworthy thermal location in Yellowstone Countrywide Park (YNP). Merritt appeared in entrance of Justice of the peace Decide Mark L. Carman in Mammoth Scorching Springs, Wyoming on July 1, 2021, for the arraignment and sentencing.

On July 7, 2020, though donning a raccoon skin hat and waving an American flag, Merritt ran out on the thermal spot and up to the geyser of Previous Devoted far more than when. He then failed to seem for his courtroom hearing on July 23, 2020, and a warrant was issued for his arrest. He was arrested on June 5, 2021, in Maine and designed his overall look at the Yellowstone Justice Centre in YNP. Merritt was sentenced to 15 times imprisonment with credit for 4 days served. He was fined $200 additionally $30 in courtroom fees and a $10 special evaluation payment. He was also banned from YNP. This circumstance was taken care of by YNP legislation enforcement rangers and prosecuted by Assistant United States Lawyer Stephanie Hambrick.