GRAND RAPIDS (WWJ) - A 62-year-old man is facing up to six months in prison, a $5,000 fine and more after he was slapped with federal charges of vandalism and tampering at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
Andrew Howard, 62, Frankfort, Mich. was charged this week with one count of tampering and one count of vandalism following an investigation into an August 2022 incident that found a man-man diversion of water at Platte River, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten said.
According to officials for the state of Michigan, a diversion is a "temporary ridge or excavated channel or combination ridge and channel constructed to divert concentrated and sheet surface water."
Totten said National Park Service law enforcement officers became aware of reports of a diversion of the river water within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, along the northwest coast of the Lower Peninsula, in mid-August.
Howard was eventually identified as a suspect in the investigation. He was charged on Wednesday and faces a maximum penalty of up to six months' imprisonment, up to a $5,000 fine, up to 5 years' probation and mandatory restitution.
Totten called the allegations against Howard are "disturbing" and vowed to preserve the state's natural treasures
Superintendent Scott Tucker with the National Parks Service agreed.
"Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore was created in 1970 to preserve and protect this amazing place," said Tucker. "The National Park Service appreciates the support of the U.S. Attorney's Office in enforcing the laws that help protect this place for future generations."
The investigation into the alleged crimes was conducted by the National Park Service law enforcement officers.
