From Sandy Louey:
A Folsom father and son pleaded not guilty Thursday to allegedly removing archeological artifacts from public lands.
Donald Woodworth Parker, 69, and Steven Woodworth Parker, 42, were arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Dale A. Drozd.
An Oct. 23 indictment charges the Parkers with conspiracy, unlawful transportation of archaeological resources removed from public lands, unlawful interstate transportation of archaeological resources removed in violation of state law, and possession of stolen property, according to a release from U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott.
The case is a result of an investigation by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, the National Park Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Sacramento County Parks Department.
The Parkers allegedly unlawfully collected archaeological items that were at least 100 years old and had archaeological interest including Native American projectile points, stone tools, bifaces and flaked or ground stone from Nevada. Those artifacts were taken to their Folsom home, the release said.
The indictment seeks the forfeiture of the items, which were stored in the Folsom home, to the United States. The two men face a potential prison sentence of 10 years and a fine of up to $850,000, according to the release.
The Parkers' next court date is Dec. 5.
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