David Lesh Pleads Not Guilty To Illegal Activities At Hanging Lake And Keystone Ski Area
(CBS4) -- A Colorado man has made a name for himself through social media -- but it's not always for Colorado-appropriate behavior. David Lesh is now infamous for not paying much respect to the environment. Lesh was back in court this week.
Lesh gained notoriety after posting a photo on social media showing him walking on a log in the middle of Hanging Lake -- which is not allowed.
The caption on the photo read: "[David Lesh] testing out our new board shorts (coming soon) on the world's most sacred log ????"
After that, people petitioned to have his outdoor apparel company's license revoked.
Lesh is also accused of riding a snowmobile on off-limits terrain on Independence Pass on July 3, 2019, according to the Vail Daily.
Additionally, Lesh reportedly posted a photo of himself launching a snowmobile off a jump in a terrain park at Keystone Resort, on April 24, 2020 -- while it was closed because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Lesh has been charged with several petty offenses, including:
- Entering an area closed for the protection of threatened, endangered, rare, unique or vanishing plants, animals or fish when entering the Hanging Lake National Natural Landmark Area
- Entering an area closed for the protection of special biological communities
- Entering an area closed for the protection of historical, archeological, geological or paleontological interest
- Entering a prohibited body of water
Each charge holds a potential penalty of up to six months imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000, or both.
On Monday, Lesh pleaded not guilty to the charges. He's claiming the pictures were photoshopped.
His next court appearance is Feb. 11.
