Artifact cases will proceed despite source's death

SALT LAKE CITY — Federal prosecutors in Utah say that despite the death of an undercover informant they'll move ahead with cases against more than 20 people charged after a long-running artifacts looting investigation.

Acting U.S. Attorney for Utah Carlie Christensen said Monday she remains confident the cases can move forward.

Ted Gardiner died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound March 1. The former Utah businessman was the central figure in the government's case. He spent more than two years secretly recording transactions with Western dealers and collectors trafficking in American Indian artifacts.

Twenty-six people were eventually indicted.

At a status conference in federal court Monday, U.S. Magistrate Samuel Alba set the first case for trial May 3.