On June 10, an army of federal agents raided homes and businesses, a host of attorneys filed federal charges, and a group of politicians claimed the credit for what is being called the largest antiquities investigation in United States history.



While defendants in the case are from throughout the Four Corners area, the focus of the investigation centers on the Blanding area.



The raids and subsequent actions have set off a firestorm of controversy. Local, state and national media descended on Blanding, where they were able to find plenty of residents willing to express outrage at the raids and their aftermath.



A total of 24 defendants were charged in the first round of legal action, which culminates an investigation that has already lasted more than two years. The charges are outlined in twelve indictments from a federal grand jury.



The charges include violations of the Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA) and the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA).


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