JACKSON HOLE, Wyo. — A 31-year-old Indiana man was sentenced in federal court today for a drunken episode that occurred in Yellowstone National Park last week.
Acting United States Attorney Bob Murray announced today that Kyle F. Campbell, of Fairmont, Indiana, pleaded guilty to charges stemming from an incident that occurred on June 21, 2021, in Yellowstone. Campbell appeared for arraignment and sentencing before United States Magistrate Judge Mark L. Carman in Mammoth, Wyoming, on June 23.
On June 21, Campbell was with a group of individuals who had been scheduled for a guided kayak trip at the Grant Marina in Yellowstone. The guide refused to take the group because he thought they were too intoxicated. Campbell and his group became upset and created a disturbance that led the kayak guide to call security officers and park law enforcement rangers.
During the encounter, Campbell made threatening comments and gestures toward the officers. He also exhibited signs of intoxication and refused to obey officers’ orders. Campbell would not stop struggling with and kicking at park rangers. He resisted arrest until he was finally stuffed in a patrol car where he banged his head getting in.
Campbell pleaded guilty to several criminal charges including disorderly conduct; threatening, resisting, and intentionally interfering with a government employee; violating the lawful order of a government employee; being under the influence of alcohol and a controlled substance to a degree that may endanger oneself or others; and contempt of court for refusing to comply with Magistrate Judge Carmen’s warrant to collect a blood sample.
Campbell was sentenced to 60 days imprisonment, a five-year term of unsupervised probation, and banned from Yellowstone for five years. He was also ordered to pay $1,550 in fines and a $50 special assessment fee.
“We understand that people are eager to get out this summer and enjoy our national parks; however, this type of behavior is unacceptable. Thanks to the quick actions taken by park rangers and the park vendor’s security officers, no one was seriously harmed,” Murray commented. “Stay sober, because unruly and intoxicated behavior will only earn you a spot with the jailbirds rather than enjoying the beauty and adventure of Yellowstone.”
The incident was handled by rangers of the National Park Service and security officers of Xanterra Parks and Resorts. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Hambrick prosecuted the case.
