[MSN] Artifacts stolen from three sites. Two men accused of lifting antique weapons from trio of tourist destinations

[Museum Security Network Mailinglist]

Artifacts stolen from three sites
Two men accused of lifting antique weapons from trio of tourist destinations

June 8, 2006
BY CASEY FORAN
Odessa American

BREWSTER COUNTY Two men accused of stealing historic artifacts from Fort
Davis are also believed to be responsible in the disappearance of antique
weapons from two other sites in Brewster County.
"The individuals were also responsible for stolen items in the Lajitas
Resort and Hallie Stillwell Museum," Chuck Hunt, Fort Davis Historical Site
superintendent, said. "Firearms were stolen from both of those places and
have also been recovered."
One man was arrested Wednesday, Hunt said. The man's identity was not
available Wednesday afternoon.
"One person has been arrested," Hunt said. "The other man has been really
cooperative with National Park special agents."
Hunt said several pistols, five revolvers and a historic knife all dated to
the 1880s. The items were stolen on April 11, and were retrieved eight weeks
later on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the owner of the Hallie Stillwell Museum said
the two men stole an antique rifle, pistol and knife sometime in the middle
of March 2006.
"I don't have a clue about how much they are worth," museum owner Walter
Potter said. "I just have no idea."
Potter said he lives on museum property and did not hear the museum security
alarm.
"I don't have any idea of what time the people took the guns," Potter said.
"I live here, but I didn't hear anything until the next day."
Managers at the Lajitas Resort also said they did not know the value of the
weapons stolen.
Hunt said the case would be presented to a federal grand jury in Pecos on
June 15. The grand jury will decide whether to indict the men. 
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller said charges on the two men are pending.
Miller said the men could be charged with larceny of government property.

http://www.oaoa.com/