FRESNO, Calif. — A Madera County man is facing federal charges for allegedly looting Native American artifacts in the Sierra National Forest.
Vance Franklin Myers, 31, of Ahwannee, was indicted on October 18, 2018, on three counts of unauthorized excavation and removal of archeological resources and one count of possession of stolen government property, announced U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott.
According to court documents, firefighters discovered an excavated site in the Willow Creek area of Box Canyon in the Sierra National Forest on July 26, 2015. The site contained human remains and artifacts, including stone tools, arrowheads, and beads, which were determined to be between 500 A.D. and 1900.
The site is believed to have been inhabited by members of the Mono Indian tribe. After consultation with the tribe, the site was stabilized, rehabilitated, and the artifacts repatriated in August 2015.
The investigation revealed additional incidents of looting at the site in September 2015 and August 2016, requiring a second site rehabilitation and the reburial of the artifacts in October 2016. Investigators identified Myers through photographs and statements as being involved in the excavation.
Myers was found to be in possession of the archeological items. He was arraigned on the indictment on October 19, 2018, and pleaded not guilty.
Myers faces a maximum statutory penalty of two years in prison and a $100,000 fine if convicted. His next hearing is scheduled for January 28, 2019.
The case is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Forest Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laurel J. Montoya is prosecuting the case.
Key Facts
- State: California
- Category: Public Corruption
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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