A federal jury in Alexandria, Louisiana, has convicted Roy Everett Jordan, Jr., 57, from Georgetown, Louisiana, for unauthorized archaeological digging and illegal firearm possession. Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced the verdict, delivered after a swift 30-minute jury deliberation. The trial was overseen by United States District Judge Dee D. Drell.
Court details revealed that in 2022, unauthorized digging occurred at four Native American archaeological sites within the Kisatchie National Forest in Grant Parish. The areas contained arrowheads and human-altered stones. U.S. Forest Service agents identified Jordan in the vicinity of these activities. Coinciding with the photographic evidence collected, Jordan boasted on social media about an archaeological find that aligned with his unauthorized activities.
A search at Jordan’s home unveiled numerous arrowheads and pottery shards. Notably, agents discovered a camouflage cloth-covered table resembling one in Jordan's social media post. Additionally, a shed on his property contained similar artifacts and clothing matching that in the investigation's photographic evidence. Among the discoveries, agents seized a loaded ISSC semi-automatic .22 caliber pistol. Jordan's criminal record includes three felony convictions, barring him from firearm possession.
An archaeologist testified that the restoration and repair costs of the disrupted sites in the Kisatchie National Forest exceed $500. For the removal of archaeological resources, Jordan could face up to two years in prison and a $20,000 fine, with possible restitution for damages. The firearms violation may lead to a 15-year sentence and a $250,000 fine.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Forest Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Louisiana State Police, and the Grant Parish Sheriff's Office. Assistant United States Attorneys William C. Gaskins and Mike Shannon handled the prosecution.