Suspect in artifact theft released from jail pending trial

Tammy Shumway, one of several people charged in a series of federal indictments concerning Indian artifacts, was ordered released from jail Tuesday and can return to her home state of Arkansas while her case is pending.

However, U.S. Magistrate Judge Samuel Alba directed that Shumway be supervised by federal pretrial services. Alba also ordered Shumway not to buy or sell any archaeological artifact without getting permission from the court, to stay off any national and Indian land, and to carefully keep track of any artifacts that may already be in her possession.

Shumway was indicted in trafficking in stolen artifacts, and aiding and abetting.

The judge also appointed attorney Fred Metos to represent Shumway, who recently has been held in the Weber County Jail. Metos said later that Shumway had just completed a 30-day jail sentence for drug possession in Moab.

Twenty-four people were indicted June 10 for allegedly engaging in illegal trafficking in Indian artifacts taken from national and Native American land. The individuals were arrested following a two-year undercover sting operation.

— Linda Thomson