Archeological Resources Prosecutions update South Dakotoa

[lostcauses]

http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/sd/media_n...09-Shield.html

Archeological Resources Prosecutions

August 26, 2009
Pierre, South Dakota

United States Attorney Marty J. Jackley announced that three men have been sentenced for Trafficking in Archaeological Resources and Forfeiture, one man has pled guilty to Trafficking in Archaeological Resources and Forfeiture and is awaiting sentencing, and a fifth man is going to trial in January 2010 for allegedly Trafficking in Archaeological Resources and Forfeiture. The four defendants have agreed to forfeit their interest in over 12,500 archaeological resource items.

John Sheild, age 77, from Monona, Wisconsin, was sentenced on August 4, 2009, to a $10,000 fine and forfeiture of all interest in archaeological resources, including bullet casings, slugs, buttons, military items, thumb scrapers, projectile points, bone tools, stone tools, beads, a pewter ring, a child's ring, a British gun flint, a French gun flint, eagle buttons, lead balls/bullets, shell cases, buckles, bone handles, and brass-copper pieces.

Brian Ekrem, age 28, of Selby, South Dakota, was sentenced on August 12, 2009, to 10 months in prison, one year of supervised release, and forfeiture of 204 archaeological resource items, including bone tools, knives, and fish hooks; stone tools, projectile points, bi-faces, knives, and blades; and pottery.

Richard D. Geffre, age 49, of Pierre, South Dakota, was sentenced on August 21, 2009, to 3 years of probation, 6 months of home confinement, a $20,000 fine, and forfeiture of all interest in 7,930 archaeological resource items, including stone projectile points, knives, scrapers, drills, gaming pieces, abraders, axes, celts, hammers, atlatl weight, and ceremonial blade; catlinite pipes, effigies, pendants, and a decorated catlinite plate; bone awls, knife handles, ice gliders, pendants, effigies, projectile points, scapula hoes, fish hooks, fish hook blanks, fleshers, necklaces, whistles, and knives; shell pendants; pottery; copper arm bands; bison skulls; teeth; bone beads; shell beads; copper beads; and glass beads.

Elliot D. Hook, age 52, of Wessington Springs, South Dakota, has pled guilty to Trafficking in Archaeological Resources and Forfeiture. In his plea agreement, Hook agreed to forfeit all interest in 4,369 archaeological resource items, including pottery; stone tools, projectile points, scrapers, knives, hammers, drills, and gameballs; bone tools, awls, and bison scapula hoes; buttons; pendants; beads; catlinite fragments, including pipe fragments and catlinite carvings; and historical metal and glass items, consisting of old military items, military fort items, and trading post/settlement relics. Hook further agreed to forfeit interest in 797 fossil items. Hook will be sentenced on January 25, 2010.

On July 16, 2009, Scott A. Matteson, age 60, of Fort Pierre, South Dakota, pled not guilty to a superseding indictment that charged him with Trafficking in Archaeological Resources and Forfeiture. Matteson’s trial was scheduled for August 18, 2009, but the trial later was continued to January 11, 2010, in Pierre, South Dakota. If found guilty, Matteson could be sentenced to 5 years of custody, a $100,000 fine, or both, and 3 years of supervised release. The charges are merely an accusation and Matteson is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The investigations were conducted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and the cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Eric Kelderman.

http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/sd/media_n...-Matteson.html
Ft. Pierre Man Pleads to Being a Drug User in Possession of Firearms

August 12, 2009
Pierre, South Dakota

United States Attorney Marty J. Jackley announced that Scott Allen Matteson, age 60, of Ft. Pierre, appeared before US District Court Judge William R. Wilson, Jr., on August 11, 2009, and pled guilty to count I of the superseding indictment that charged him with drug user in possession of firearms. The maximum penalty upon conviction is ten years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, or both, and three years of supervised release. Matteson will also be ordered to forfeit ten firearms as part of his guilty plea. The investigation was conducted by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force and US Fish and Wildlife Service. Assistant US Attorney Tim Maher is prosecuting the case. A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date was set for December 7, 2009. The defendant was released on bond pending sentencing.