Blanding News

Native american artifacts By MIKE STARK Associated Press Writer SALT LAKE CITY - A mother and daughter have pleaded guilty to several felony charges stemming from a sweeping federal investigation into the theft and illegal trafficking of American Indian artifacts from the Four Corners area.

A woman charged for her role in a massive artifacts theft case may strike a plea deal with federal prosecutors, KSL NewsRadio has learned.

A plea deal may be in the works for the widow of a prominent Blanding physician who committed suicide amid indictments that the couple and others were illegally dealing in American Indian artifacts.

Austin Lyman holds a photograph of his lifelong friend and physician James Redd, who committed suicide after being indicted on charges of trafficking in ancient American Indian artifacts.

In response to The Tribune 's "coverage" of the southern Utah artifacts raid, I say congratulations.

On June 10, the FBI released arrest information concerning an artifact bust in the Four Corners area.

American Indian artifacts must not fall into the hands of profiteers. By John Saltas Anyone who has previously read this column knows I'm quite proud of being Greek.

After federal raids last week on the somewhat casual, small-town traffic in illicit Southwest artifacts, one prominent pot hunter is dead and nearly two dozen others are under indictment.

Anyone who has been to Lake Powell knows that San Juan County is dotted with Indian ruins.

For 30 years Dr. James Redd was always on call to care for the Mormon and American Indian families that share the remote canyon lands in Southeastern Utah.

Native American pottery and artifacts, similar to those confiscated from looters were on display at a press conference to announce a major bust of archaeological thieves.

Another defendant charged with theft of native American artifacts in Southern Utah has been found dead from an apparent suicide in Illinois.

Christopher Smart's "Blanding residents outraged" illustrated the extent of anti-federal government sentiment in southern Utah.

A second defendant in the federal bust of archaeological looters in southern Utah apparently has killed himself.

Utah's senators asked U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder on Tuesday to investigate whether excessive force was used during a federal raid aimed at breaking up a ring allegedly trafficking ancient American Indian artifacts.

The masterminds that conceived last week's massive raid on people suspected of illegally dealing Native American artifacts called their operation "Cerberus Action." In Greek mythology, Cerberus is the multiheaded dog with snakes on his back and a dragon on his tail who guards the gates of hell and refuses entrance to living humans.

Utah's top federal law enforcement official fired back at critics of last week's raid to break up a ring allegedly trafficking ancient American Indian artifacts, saying that agents followed rules and that local law enforcement was notified in advance.

Pallbearers carry the coffin of Dr. James Redd, who with his wife was among 24 indicted on charges of artifact theft.

About 800 mourners gathered Tuesday to remember James D. Redd, a doctor to the community, passionate hunter and loving father.

11, 2007, by someone trusted by a large, close knit network of excavators, dealers, and collectors of archaeological artifacts stolen from public or Indian lands in the Four Corners region.