Tony Fee, Damaging Archeological Resources, Louisiana 2023

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Tony Fee, James Carroll Sentenced for Damaging Archeological Resources in Kisatchie National Forest

LAFAYETTE, La. – Tony Fee, 49, and James Carroll, 35, both of Pitkin, Louisiana, have been sentenced for their roles in damaging archeological resources at Kisatchie National Forest.

The two men conducted unauthorized excavation on public land in the Kisatchie National Forest from October 2017 through June 2018 in an effort to uncover Native American artifacts, such as arrowheads. They were caught on June 1, 2018, conducting 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 Fee and Carroll lacked the necessary permits to conduct the excavation activities. The cost of restoration and repair to the site totaled $5,676.56.

United States District Judge James D. Cain, Jr. sentenced Fee and Carroll to three years of probation, with mandatory and special conditions. A special condition imposed by Judge Cain 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.

The United States Forest Service conducted the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys John W. Nickel and T. Forrest Phillips prosecuted the case.

This case is a reminder of the importance of preserving our nation’s cultural heritage and respecting the laws that protect it. The public can report any suspected archeological crimes to the authorities.