Dutch YouTubers Arrested For Trying To Enter Area 51 — What We Know
Their original sentence was a year in jail.
Instagram Ever wonder what happened to the two Dutch Youtubers who trespassed Area 51 amid the Storm Area 51 event? Well, it turns out they faced some pretty serious consequences and aren’t allowed near the area for a whole year. Ties Granzier, 20, and Govert Charles Wilhelmus Jacob Sweep, 21, were three miles into the government base when they were arrested for trespassing the Nevada National Security Site, according to CNN.
The two men have their own very different, yet successful YouTube channels. With over 700, 000 subscribers on YouTube, Ties Granzier specializes in content where he travels, builds interesting items (mostly out of duct tape) and tries new things around the world. There are a few videos where he explores America and even tries Burger King for the first time. I'm not going to lie, I wish he made a video exploring Area 51 and believe this would have been a big hit for his channel. Govert Charles Wilhelmus Jacob Sweep's YouTube content specializes in more of the spookier content there is on YouTube. In his videos, he investigates mysterious haunted places and focuses on ghost hunting. His channel currently has over 300,000 subscribers.
Who are Ties Granzier and Govert Charles Wilhelmus Jacob Sweep? Read on for all the details.
1. They claimed that they didn’t plan to participate in Area 51
After their arrest, the two claimed that their trespassing had nothing to do with the Area 51 event, despite it being done a day prior. According to CNN, "We didn't have any intention to storm it because we leave on the day before the actual storming dates, and we just wanted... to go there," Sweep said.
2. They apologized in a video shared by the Nye County Sheriff's Office
According to USA Today, the two men made a video statement released by the Nye County Sheriff’s Office where they shared their apology. “We did not want to cause any trouble, it has all gone a little bit out of hand,” said 20-year-old Ties Granzier. “We learned from our mistakes, and it’s good to be back in a bit.”
3. They walked 3 miles passed the ‘No Trespassing’ sign
According to CNN, after their arrest on September 10, both Dutchmen told deputies they could read, write and speak English and had seen the 'No Trespassing' signs at the entrance but wanted to get a look at the facility anyway, police said.
4. Their original sentence was for a year in county jail
According to CNN, their original sentence was going to be a full year in county jail but, instead, their sentence was changed to the two spending a total of three days in the county jail and paying a fine of $2,280 each.
5. They pleaded guilty
According to Penn Live, the two pleaded guilty to trespassing and illegal parking, Nye County District Attorney Chris Arabia said. They were also very cooperative throughout the process which may have contributed to their shortened sentence.
6. They are prohibited from coming within 500 yards of the area
According to USA Today, as part of their plea agreement, the two are prohibited from going near any events or anything related to the Nevada National Security Site within 500 yards of the site for the next year.
Elizabeth Ward is a writing student finishing her bachelor’s at the University of Louisville. She covers news, entertainment, relationships and everything in between.