Agents searched New Mexico art dealer's home
An art dealer in Santa Fe, New Mexico, may be the next target in the Interior Department's investigation into stolen Indian artifacts.

Federal agents raided the home of Forrest Fenn on June 10, the same day Secretary Ken Salazar announced the indictments of 24 people. It's not clear whether Fenn has been charged with any crimes.

But an undercover informant who visited Fenn's home saw items that were potentially illegal. They included eagle feathers and artifacts taken from federal land.

"You don't have to prove anything, just keep your mouth closed," Fenn reportedly told the informant, according to an affidavit quoted by The Santa Fe New Mexican.

The informant was described as a "major dealer of archaeological artifacts" -- similar to the one in the case that Salazar announced in Utah.

Get the Story:
Document details Fenn inquiry (The Santa Fe New Mexican 6/17)

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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Defendant in DOI artifact theft case found dead (6/12)
Two dozen indicted for theft of Indian artifacts (6/11)
Salazar, EchoHawk in Utah for press conference (6/10)