A man who lived illegally in Arizona’s Tonto National Forest for eight years was sentenced after amassing around 1,000 pounds of trash at his campsite. Mark Aaron Gatz, 65, pleaded guilty to violating fire restrictions and unlawful residential use of federal forest land as part of a plea agreement. Under a judgment filed Tuesday, he was sentenced to three months of probation and ordered to pay $20 in criminal penalties, avoiding restitution of up to $5,000 to the U.S. Forest Service. He also agreed to avoid visiting national forests in Arizona and using cannabis.
Gatz was arrested on June 25 and initially faced an 18-count federal indictment, including charges for building illegal fires, overstaying camping time limits, and leaving trash in unsanitary conditions. U.S. Magistrate Judge Camille D. Bibles noted in a June 30 order that Gatz had violated fire restrictions despite prior warnings and citations. Officers found his SUV under a canopy structure in the woods, along with a collection of refuse, including tires, plastic bags, and aluminum cans. Gatz told authorities he had been living in the Payson Pine area of the forest for eight years, with the most recent two years at the campsite where he was found.
Federal regulations limit camping in national forests to 14 days within a 30-day period to protect natural resources and ensure fair access. Gatz had six outstanding federal arrest warrants for previous violations, including building fires during restrictions and constructing on federal lands. He reportedly told officers he was aware of fire restrictions but required a campfire to eat. Gatz was booked into the Coconino County Detention Facility in Flagstaff after his arrest.