Mother, daughter get probation for theft of artifacts

Jeanne Redd and her daughter Jericca Redd sat close to one another in the packed courtroom — not even an arm's length between them.

But the gap left by James Redd, Jeanne Redd's husband and Jericca Redd's father, who committed suicide in June after he and his wife were arrested on federal indictments, was obvious, even to the judge who sentenced the duo to probation.

Despite the prosecutor's recommendation that Jeanne Redd be sentenced to 18 months in prison for collecting and attempting to sell Native American artifacts from federal lands, she was given 36 months of probation. U.S. District Judge Clark Waddoups took into account the other "consequences suffered" and the seriousness of the crime that had impacts "felt by her and the community."

"This was not a crime of violence, the defendant is of no danger to the community, and there is a need of the defendant for medical, emotional care and the support of family that is significant," Waddoups said.

The judge said that even though collecting the artifacts is a crime, the conduct "if not culturally accepted, has been justified for many years" in the southern Utah area.

As a part of the sentence, Waddoups ordered that the pair forfeit a computer, GPS system and their entire 812-piece artifact collection — including woven sandals, jewelry, ceramic mugs and various tools. The judge also ordered that, as part of both women's probation sentences, they refrain from entering any land owned by the Bureau of Land Management, the National Forest Service or the National Park Service.

Jeanne Redd, 59, was one of 26 people indicted in a federal sting meant to crack down on those who deal in Native American artifacts. The operation involved individuals in Utah, Colorado and New Mexico. She pleaded guilty to two counts of theft of government property, three counts of trafficking in stolen artifacts and two counts of theft of tribal property. Her husband, prominent Blanding physician James Redd, killed himself on June 11 following his indictment on similar charges.

Jericca Redd, 37, was not initially indicted and was charged in early July, just one week before she entered her guilty plea. She pleaded guilty to one count of theft of property from tribal lands, one count of excavation of archeological artifacts and one count of transportation of archeological artifacts.

Waddoups ordered that she serve 24 months of probation. Prosecutors had not pushed for any jail time for her.

Prosecutor Richard McKelvie said he "respected" the sentences and doesn't believe his office could have done more to secure more serious sentences, as the Redds had pleaded guilty to everything they were charged with. Despite the lack of prison time, he said there was little to envy about the family's experience.

"I'd be surprised if anyone observing this would go and pick up a shovel and rob graves," McKelvie said. "I can't imagine anyone subjecting themselves to what the Redds have gone through."

As for others charged in the sting, McKelvie said every case will be treated individually, and "the facts and circumstances are unique."

e-mail: emorgan@desnews.com