Dirty deeds

The long arm of the law (and social media) has caught up with three off-road moto scofflaws. The men became a social media sensation earlier this month after they were caught on video illegally tearing up the fragile tundra near Lake Emma on July 5.

“All three suspects were identified and have provided statements,” San Juan County Sheriff Bruce Conrad told the Silverton Standard. The case is being turned over to the Bureau of Land Management, and the men could face federal charges.

A hiker took photos and videos of the motor-cyclists, and the Sheriff’s Office posted some of the images on Facebook, warning the individuals to turn themselves in. However, the tactic may have worked a little too well.

“They asked me to take down the post because they’ve been getting death threats on Facebook,” Conrad told the Standard. “I told them ‘that’s how serious we take our backcountry.’”

Conrad said he wants to send a message that driving off-road on the fragile high-alpine tundra will not be tolerated. “You will not get away with it, and there will be consequences,” he said.