California Man Sentenced for Fraudulent River Permit Scheme in Grand Canyon

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. Stephen E. Savage, 61, of Diamond Bar, Calif., pleaded guilty on August 14, 2006, and was sentenced to 30 days in jail and 5 years probation, during which he is banned from all National Parks, and a $15,000 payment to the Grand Canyon Search and Rescue Fund, by U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark E. Aspey. Savage pleaded guilty to three counts of conspiring to fraudulently obtain noncommercial river permits for the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon by using the identities of deceased or fictitious people. Savage plead guilty to offenses from two separate complaints for his actions from May, 2001, through June, 2006. We are pleased with the outcome of this case and feel it reflects the serious nature of the offense committed, stated Joseph Alston, Superintendent of Grand Canyon National Park. In this case Savage put his personal interests in front of thousands of others who have waited years for the opportunity of a river trip. We hope this sentence serves as a deterrent for others that have tried to abuse the system. The investigation in this case was conducted by officials from the National Park Service from Grand Canyon National Park and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. The prosecution was handled by Camille D. Bibles, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Flagstaff, Arizona.