Colorado Man Sentenced to Jail for Being in a Thermal Area in Yellowstone National Park

A 62-year-old Colorado Springs, Colorado man was recently sentenced to jail in Mammoth, Wyoming for violating rules at Yellowstone National Park. U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephanie Hambrick sentenced Joseph Aita to seven days in jail for walking off a designated trail or boardwalk in a thermal area within Yellowstone National Park.

According to court documents, Aita entered the protected area of Canary Spring in Mammoth Hot Springs in the north area of the park with co-defendant Celia Aita and two minor children. Aita also pleaded guilty to destroying a mineral resource and for that violation, he was sentenced to five years of probation, with a five year ban from Yellowstone National Park and a fine of $3,000. He will also pay $60 in mandatory court costs and fees in the case.