Daijiworld Media Network – Arizona

Arizona, Jul 8: A man who illegally lived in Arizona's Tonto National Forest for about eight years and accumulated nearly 1,000 pounds of garbage at his campsite has been sentenced to three months' probation after pleading guilty to federal charges.

Mark Aaron Gatz pleaded guilty to violating fire restrictions and unlawfully using a federal forest as a residential site under a plea agreement filed on Monday.

According to court documents, Gatz was ordered to serve three months of probation, pay USD 20 in criminal penalties, avoid visiting national forests in Arizona, and refrain from using cannabis. As part of the agreement, he also avoided paying up to USD 5,000 in restitution sought by the US Forest Service.

Gatz was arrested on June 25 after federal authorities found he had continued occupying the campsite despite repeated warnings. He was initially charged with 18 offences, including illegal campfires, overstaying permitted camping limits, and leaving large quantities of trash in unsanitary conditions.

Forest Service officers said they had previously warned Gatz to clear the site and vacate the area. Investigators found his SUV parked beneath a makeshift canopy and an illegal stone fire structure used for cooking.

Officials estimated that the campsite contained around 1,000 pounds of waste, including tyres, plastic bags, rubbish sacks, aluminium cans and other discarded items.

According to investigators, Gatz admitted he had been living in the forest for nearly eight years. Camping in Tonto National Forest is restricted to a maximum of 14 days.

Authorities also said Gatz had accumulated six federal warrants and had previously been cited several times for violating fire restrictions before his arrest.