State Announces Bust Of Artifact Theft Ring

February 28, 2013

A two-year undercover operation has busted what officials said was an extensive, statewide ring of individuals trading in illegal historical artifacts, largely from Native American sites.

Thirteen people from two states were charged with a total of more than 400 felony counts, including 216 alone against Jacky Fuller of Fortson, Ga., accused of violating historical resources, dealing in stolen property and dealing stolen property over the Internet. Fullerton was one of two Georgians arrested.

The 11 Floridians snared by state officials lived everywhere from the north Florida community of Havana to Big Pine Key. The arrests were made Wednesday.

“The message I think we’re trying to get out of here today is that this isn’t just stealing of artifacts,” said Robert Bendus, director of the Division of Historical Resources. “This is stealing the history of this state. … And when you loot, you’re irrevocably destroying the history of this state.”

Bendus said stealing artifacts rips them out of the context of archaeological sites and can damage efforts to document what happened there.

Officials say more than $2 million of artifacts might have been recovered in “Operation Timucua,” including arrowheads and pottery.

Maj. Curtis Brown of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said the idea of investigating the trafficking of artifacts plundered from state lands had been around for about five years, but was seriously put in motion about two years ago.

He said the discussions were prompted by complaints to the state about illicitly-obtained artifacts ending up in trade shows and for sale on the Internet.

Brown said computers and other records were seized as part of the investigation, meaning there will likely be “spin-offs” of the operation that could end in more arrests.

He described those who were caught as experts at finding artifacts.

“These people knew where to go,” he said.

Bendus said the laws against illegally grabbing artifacts were strong enough, but that the state needs to get better about working with collectors and archaeologists to make a dent in the practice.

“I think we need to come up with some creative solutions beyond the laws,” he said.

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Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News