Grave Robbing Is Not So Bad After All

The first of the defendants in the southern Utah group caught illegally collecting artifacts and rummaging through graves received sentences today.  The US Attorney said that "the public needs to understand that looting artifacts, many considered sacred by Native Americans, from public and tribal lands is simply not going to be tolerated. It is clear that there is a continued need for education on the serious nature of these crimes."   Judge Waddoups may have agreed; it is a little hard to say.  The defendants were guilty of 10 felonies.  The judge is quoted as saying: "I want to express my thanks," Waddoups said to the Redds and their family. "I know this has been a terrible experience for all of you."

The sentence was a small fine for each of the defendants and probation.  That sends a message.