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SALT LAKE CITY — A couple who police say had been warned multiple times about camping restrictions due to concerns over the spread of COVID-19 was arrested Wednesday in Grand County.
Robert John Letterman, 56, and Joy Letterman Featherstone, 55, were arrested for investigation of violating a public health ordinance, theft of a car and drug possession.
Just before 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, the Utah Highway Patrol and Grand County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call of “a suspicious male on the bike path near Arches National Park.”
Arches is closed due to COVID-19 concerns. And in March, the Southeast Utah Health Department placed restrictions on all camping in Grand County. “Nonresidents are not allowed to camp, including developed and primitive sites,” the Grand County Sheriff’s Office said in March. “It should be noted that all nonresident campers are currently being contacted by law enforcement officers. ... Citations can and will be issued, especially in instances of repeat offenders.”
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Arches and Canyonlands national parks are shutting down Saturday after pleas from health agencies, the regional hospital and leaders in local government said it was an urgent move to prevent the spread of coronavirus. (Photo: Darren J. Bradley, Shutterstock.)When deputies made contact with Letterman on Wednesday, it was discovered that he “had been camping out of a white F-150. It should be noted Letterman admitted to having been warned about illegal camping by multiple officers,” a police affidavit states.
Deputies offered to give Letterman a ride from the bike path back to his truck. When they got there, deputies ran a records check on the vehicle and discovered it was listed as stolen, according to the affidavit.
“Letterman stated the vehicle had been rented out of California and was originally due to be returned the first week in March,” the affidavit states.
Methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia were found in the vehicle. Letterman and Featherstone, who was also camping in the vehicle according to police, were arrested.
