Balgaroslav Todorov Latinow, Destruction of Government Property, South Dakota 2022
RAPID CITY - In a shocking display of disrespect, a Montana man has been sentenced for defacing a prehistoric Native American art site in South Dakota.
Balgaroslav Todorov Latinow, a/k/a Bobby Latinow, 56, was handed down a one-year probation sentence and ordered to pay $7,156.00 in restitution, as well as a $25 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
The conviction stems from Latinow carving into and damaging a Native American rock art panel, namely, archaeological site 39FA0677, in Red Canyon in the Black Hills National Forest. This location is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is located on land under the control and management of the U.S. Forest Service.
Latinow was indicted for Destruction of Government Property and Unauthorized Damage and Defacement of Archaeological Resource by a federal grand jury in June of 2021. He pleaded guilty on October 7, 2022.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Forest Service, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelsey Blair taking on the prosecution.
On December 5, 2022, U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann presided over the sentencing hearing, bringing Latinow's reckless actions to a close.
The destruction of the Native American art site is a heartbreaking loss for the community and a stark reminder of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage.
Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Category: Public Corruption|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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