Looters don't go to jail

Prison time, felony charges rare for relic looters

By Mike StarkStepping into the afternoon sun last month, Jeanne Redd and her daughter Jericca walked away from a federal courthouse with probation papers--not prison time--for their role in the theft and illegal trafficking of Indian artifacts.

Some, including one of the Salt Lake City's daily newspapers, expressed frustration that the judge didn't come down harder on the duo from southern Utah.

History however says the punishment for the Redds, who pleaded guilty to several felonies, was fairly typical. Despite high-profile arrests and indictments, most people convicted of illegally digging up, collecting and cashing in on artifacts in the United States don't go to prison.

And for those that do, most are in for a year or less, according to a 10-year analysis of prosecutions under a 1979 law meant to punish those that foul the country's cultural resources.Comment:  For more on the subject, see Looters Vow to Keep Looting and Looters Slapped on the Wrist.