BLANDING, Utah -
A federal investigation turned into public outrage in one small Utah town. But for a short time on Tuesday, that anger was set aside for the funeral of a local doctor who was among those indicted last week for stealing Native American artifacts. Last Wednesday federal authorities raided homes in Blanding including the home of Dr. James Redd. One day after being arrested, Dr. Redd took his own life. On Wednesday, about 1,000 people turned out for his funeral.
Townspeople are furious over two year undercover investigation and subsequent raids that took place in the four corners area. They said locals have been collecting artifacts for generations.
But top federal authorities said what some call a hobby is in fact illegal and robbing the united states of its heritage. Authorities point out that dr. Redd and his wife had been charged with trespassing on indian bural sites before and it was time to stop that activity.
"The law is the law and no man or woman is above the law," said Ken Salazar, the secretary of the Department of the Interior.
Of the 24 people charged last week, 16 are from Blanding. A family spokesman said they did not want to comment for this story.
FOX 13's Katy Carlyle has more.
Townspeople are furious over two year undercover investigation and subsequent raids that took place in the four corners area. They said locals have been collecting artifacts for generations.
But top federal authorities said what some call a hobby is in fact illegal and robbing the united states of its heritage. Authorities point out that dr. Redd and his wife had been charged with trespassing on indian bural sites before and it was time to stop that activity.
"The law is the law and no man or woman is above the law," said Ken Salazar, the secretary of the Department of the Interior.
Of the 24 people charged last week, 16 are from Blanding. A family spokesman said they did not want to comment for this story.
FOX 13's Katy Carlyle has more.
