Uploaded October 2023 | Updated September 2026, 10 hours ago
Press Conference at the Department of Justice.
MORE THAN $1M IN DINOSAUR BONES ALLEGEDLY STOLEN FROM UTAH LANDS, EXPORTED TO CHINA
A federal grand jury indicted four people for allegedly stealing and selling more than 150,000 pounds of paleontological resources, including dinosaur bones, in the most significant violation of the Paleontological Resources Preservation Act (PRPA) to date.
Prosecutors estimate more than $1 million in fossilized materials were sold, and $3 million in damage was caused between March 2018 and March 2023.
“Southeastern Utah is a well-known destination for visitors to experience paleontology on the landscape. The public deserves the opportunity to benefit from and appreciate prehistoric resources on the lands,” said BLM Utah State Director Gregory Sheehan. “We are grateful to our team, including technical experts and law enforcement rangers, and the many partner agencies who have committed time and energy to bring closure in this case.”
Penalties for violating PRPA include fines and up to five years in prison.
The BLM worked in conjunction with the U.S. Attorney's Office, Grand County Sheriff's Office, San Juan County Sheriffs Office, FBI – Federal Bureau of Investigation and other agencies to investigate the alleged theft ring.
flickr.com/photos/blmutah
Press Conference at the Department of Justice.
MORE THAN $1M IN DINOSAUR BONES ALLEGEDLY STOLEN FROM UTAH LANDS, EXPORTED TO CHINA
A federal grand jury indicted four people for allegedly stealing and selling more than 150,000 pounds of paleontological resources, including dinosaur bones, in the most significant violation of the Paleontological Resources Preservation Act (PRPA) to date.
Prosecutors estimate more than $1 million in fossilized materials were sold, and $3 million in damage was caused between March 2018 and March 2023.
“Southeastern Utah is a well-known destination for visitors to experience paleontology on the landscape. The public deserves the opportunity to benefit from and appreciate prehistoric resources on the lands,” said BLM Utah State Director Gregory Sheehan. “We are grateful to our team, including technical experts and law enforcement rangers, and the many partner agencies who have committed time and energy to bring closure in this case.”
Penalties for violating PRPA include fines and up to five years in prison.
The BLM worked in conjunction with the U.S. Attorney's Office, Grand County Sheriff's Office, San Juan County Sheriffs Office, FBI – Federal Bureau of Investigation and other agencies to investigate the alleged theft ring.
flickr.com/photos/blmutah
