Man accused of 'trashing' Yosemite home facing federal charges

A federal grand jury returned a six-count indictment against Devin Michael Cuellar, 28, a temporary resident living in Yosemite National Park.

Cuellar on Thursday was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, being a drug addict in possession of a sawed-off shotgun and ammunition, destruction of property, having stolen property, theft, and making a false statement to Yosemite National Park rangers, U.S. Attorney’s Office Eastern District of California announced.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Escobar is prosecuting the case.

Cuellar is accused of breaking into a private residence at Koon Hollar Road in Wawona within Yosemite National Park where he lived without permission from the owner for several months in 2021. The home is about an hour from Yosemite Valley and just north of Tenaya Lodge in Fish Camp.

Over the summer, the defendant is accused to have stayed at the residence, it was "trashed" and a toolbox, flat screen TV, wrought iron candle holders, tools as well as other items were reported stolen from the property, prosecutors said.