Arizona Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal Forest Dwelling

Mark Aaron Gatz pleaded guilty on July 8, 2026, to violating federal fire restrictions and unlawfully residing in Tonto National Forest. Gatz had been living at an illegal campsite for approximately eight years, according to court records. Authorities discovered his campsite on June 25, 2026, during an arrest for multiple citations related to residing in the national forest.

During the arrest, a United States Forest Service (USFS) officer noted that Gatz was operating a "hot wood burning campfire" despite active fire restrictions. Investigators also described the campsite as being surrounded by "approximately 1,000 pounds of trash." Gatz admitted to investigators that he had been living in the forest for about eight years prior to his arrest.

The plea agreement resolves charges stemming from his prolonged occupation of the national forest land. The USFS had issued Gatz multiple citations for his presence and activities within the Tonto National Forest. His conviction highlights the challenges faced by authorities in managing illegal encampments and enforcing environmental regulations in protected public lands.