Up to 150 agents involved in raid

Early in the morning on June 10, the army of federal agents descended on the unsuspecting towns of Blanding and Monticello to make the arrests and execute 12 search warrants.

Using a strong show of force, the defendants were rounded up while their property was searched and catalogued. There are allegations of intimidation and threats. The defendants were then shackled and taken 74 miles to Moab to face Federal Magistrate Samuel Alba, who informed them of the charges against them.

None of the defendants were jailed and no antiquities were taken from their possession.

The federal judge reminded the defendants that they were not to dispose of or harm any antiquities that they may own. In addition, they were told that they were not allowed to step foot on federal land until after the investigation is complete.

The federal agents cast a net that included 18 San Juan County residents, including a number of Blanding’s leading citizens.

Those arrested include Blanding physician Dr. James Redd and his wife, Jeanne. Jeanne Redd was charged with seven counts and James Redd faced one count.

In the 1990’s, the Redds faced a lengthy legal process related to antiquities. After years of wrangling, the Redds paid a fine related to a civil action. Criminal charges were all eventually dropped.

In addition, Harold Lyman, a Blanding resident who has worked tirelessly to promote tourism to the area and who was recently inducted into the Utah Tourism Hall of Fame, was charged with two counts.

More on the raid...
Federal antiquities charges filed on 24
High ranking officials hold press conference
Prominent local physician takes life
Wide range of items on antiquities list
Local concerns over investigation
Local officials not involved in raid, case
James DeMar Redd obituary