Howard’s Rock Vandalism Case set for Trial

The vandalism case involving Howard’s Rock goes to trial next month. On July 20, more than two years after 18-year-old Micah Rogers was first charged with chipping off a large chunk of the iconic rock, he faces up to 20 years in prison if he is convicted. In June 2013, Clemson University Police said Rogers smashed the protective case around the rock and chipped off a large chunk. The 13th Circuit Solicitor’s Office upgraded the charges against him in January 2015 to grand theft and malicious injury to property valued at more than $10,000 because the chipped piece was determined to be more valuable than first thought. In August of 2013, Clemson University Police arrested two other men in connection with the vandalism, Rogers’ father Michael Rogers and Alden Gainey stand charged with felony counts of conspiracy and obstructing justice.