A Native man who pleaded guilty in 2002 to illegal trafficking of Native American cultural items is connected to the Indian artifact theft case, The Salt Lake Tribune reports.

Thomas "Tommy" Cavaliere, whose tribal affiliation was not reported, allegedly sold thousands of dollars of artifacts to an undercover agent who helped federal authorities crack the case. Cavaliere, who lives in New Mexico, allegedly obtained the items from visits to reservations in New Mexico and Arizona.

Cavaliere has been named in court papers but has not been charged in connection with the case. In 2002, he pleaded guilty to three counts of illegal trafficking of Native American cultural items obtained in violation of 18 U.S.C. 1170, which refers to the Native American Grave Protection and Repatriation Act.

The items at issue in that case were the subject of a July 3, 2003, Federal Register notice.

Get the Story:
American Indian linked to federal artifacts looting case (The Salt Lake Tribune 8/7)

Relevant Documents:
DOI Press Release: Federal Agents Bust Ring of Antiquity Thieves Looting American Indian Sites for Priceless Treasures | DOJ Press Release: Arrests Made in Operation Targeting Network Selling Stolen Native American Artifacts | Remarks of Deputy Attorney General David W. Ogden at a Press Conference

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