Arizona man pleads guilty after illegally living in forest for years among ‘1,000lbs of trash’
Summary
An Arizona man, Mark Aaron Gatz, pleaded guilty for living illegally in Tonto National Forest and breaking fire safety rules. He had been living in a makeshift camp for about eight years, surrounded by roughly 1,000 pounds of trash, and was sentenced to time served plus probation.Key Facts
- Mark Aaron Gatz was arrested on June 25 at an illegal campsite in Tonto National Forest, Arizona.
- He lived there for about eight years in a camp filled with around 1,000 pounds of trash.
- Gatz broke federal fire restrictions by having campfires during times when fires were not allowed.
- Authorities found trash including tires, plastic bags, cans, old tools, ladders, barrels, and other debris scattered over half an acre.
- Gatz had several prior citations and outstanding federal warrants related to similar violations.
- He told officials he knew about the fire rules but needed fire for cooking.
- After pleading guilty, Gatz was sentenced to time served and three years of probation.
- The trash and debris at the site caused damage to forest land and public safety concerns.
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