A judge has ruled that a Durango couple will face felony charges related to the closing of a gate in a remote part of San Juan County, Utah. The Salt Lake Tribune reports Seventh District Judge Lyle Anderson rejected a defense motion to nullify his previous decision to bind them over for trial. Rose Chilcoat and her husband, Mark Franklin, are accused of attempted wanton destruction of livestock, a felony, and other charges. Chilcoat is a former associate director of the environmental group Great Old Broads for Wilderness. Franklin has admitted closing a gate to a corral west of Bluff. This action allegedly would have kept cattle belonging to Colorado rancher Zane Odell from accessing water, but a portion of the corral fence was down and the animals were never in jeopardy. The case is currently set for trial May 23. If convicted, the couple reportedly could face up to 21 years in prison.
Rose Chilcoat and Mark Franklin Will Face Trial for Wanton Destruction of Livestock, Other Charges
