Connecticut Woman Sentenced for Walking on Thermal Area in Yellowstone

Acting United States Attorney for the District of Wyoming Bob Murray announced Wednesday that 26-year-old Madeline Casey of New Hartford, Connecticut was sentenced to seven days in jail for walking on thermal ground at Norris Geyser Basin in Yellowstone National Park. Casey was also ordered to pay a $1,000 fine, $40 in fees and a $1,000 community service payment to the Yellowstone Forever Geological Resource Fund. Casey recently appeared in front of Magistrate Judge Mark L. Carman in Mammoth Hot Springs for sentencing.

According to the Department of Justice, Casey was with two other people as they made their way up to a thermal pool and geyser at Norris Geyser Basin. She and one other person got off the boardwalk and were walking on thermal ground. Multiple other people were concerned and took photos and videos of the three. Norris Geyser Basin is an area well marked with signs and warnings to stay on the boardwalk. Yellowstone National Park Public Affairs Officer Morgan Warthin said the ground is fragile and thin and scalding water just below the surface can cause severe or fatal burns, and that more than 20 people have died from burns suffered after they entered or fell into Yellowstone’s hot springs.
The case was handled by Yellowstone National Park law enforcement officers and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Hambrick.