In a shocking case of cultural theft, two Louisiana men have been sentenced for their role in the unlawful excavation of Native American artifacts in the Kisatchie National Forest.
Tony Fee, 49, and James Carroll, 35, both of Pitkin, Louisiana, were sentenced to three years of probation, with mandatory and special conditions, for their crimes, announced Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook. A special condition imposed by Judge James D. Cain, Jr. prohibited Fee and Carroll from entering or using the Kisatchie National Forest during their term of probation.
The defendants were also ordered to pay $5,676.56 in restitution to the United States Department of Agriculture Forestry Service. Evidence presented in court revealed that from October 2017 through June 2018, Fee and Carroll conducted unauthorized excavation on public land in the Kisatchie National Forest, in an effort to uncover Native American artifacts, such as arrowheads.
On June 1, 2018, Fee and Carroll traveled to their established dig-site, and conducted further excavation and uncovered various Native American artifacts, including arrowheads and some chips of Native American tools or utensils. The excavation site in question was designated by the United States government as a known Archeological Site, and, at all times, Carroll and Fee lacked the necessary permits to conduct the excavation activities.
The United States Forest Service conducted the investigation and Assistant U.S. Attorneys John W. Nickel and T. Forrest Phillips prosecuted the case. The cost of restoration and repair to the site totaled $5,676.56.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage for future generations. The actions of Fee and Carroll are a betrayal of the trust placed in us to protect our nation’s history.
The sentencing of Fee and Carroll is a significant step towards justice, but it also highlights the need for increased awareness and education about the importance of respecting our cultural heritage and the laws that protect it.
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Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Category: Public Corruption|White Collar Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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