Indian site may have already been looted

Less than a week after an ancient Indian site in remote eastern Utah was unveiled to the public, archaeologists fear some artifacts may already have been stolen.

Archaeologists believe two stone blades and a pottery fragment are believed to have been looted from the Fremont Indian sites. Although the items aren't worth much money, taking them violates the Archaeological Resources Protection Act.

Graduate students working at the site 130 miles southeast of Salt Lake City said this week they took down a license plate number from a van seen picking up two hikers in the remote area but weren't sure if there was any connection.

"A substantial portion of our successful investigations and prosecutions were the result of that initial, critical information provided by the public," Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne Dance said.

ARPA crimes are punishable by fines up to $250,000 and possible prison time.