The Senate Indian Affairs Committee won't investigate a controversial Indian artifact theft case from Utah, a spokesperson for Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-North Dakota).

But Dorgan has asked the Government Accountability Office to study the enforcement of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act. A report has not been issued.

On June 10, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar announced indictments against 24 people who allegedly stole and sold artifacts from public and Indian lands. Utah politicians have called for an investigation of the case, citing heavy-handedness against residents of a small town where most of the people who are charged reside.

Get the Story:
Senate panel doesn't plan to probe artifact raid (The Salt Lake Tribune 6/19)
ative Americans Speak Out Against Four Corners Artifact Thefts (NBC 11 News 6/18)

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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