A federal jury in Alexandria has found Roy Everett Jordan, Jr., 57, of Georgetown, guilty of unauthorized removal of archaeological resources and illegal possession of a firearm. The verdict was announced by Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook. United States District Judge Dee D. Drell presided over the trial where the jury took just 30 minutes to reach its decision.
Court presentations revealed that in 2022, unauthorized digging was reported at four Native American archaeological sites within the Kisatchie National Forest in Grant Parish, Louisiana. The sites were known for arrowheads and human-altered stones. Investigations by U.S. Forest Service agents led to photographic evidence of Jordan at these sites, conducting unauthorized digging. Shortly after, Jordan posted on social media about a pottery piece he discovered in the same location.
When agents executed a search warrant at Jordan’s residence, they found numerous arrowheads and pottery shards. A table covered in camouflage cloth, seen in Jordan’s social media post, was also discovered. In an outbuilding filled with his belongings, more items, including clothing matching those in the evidence photos, were found. Additionally, a loaded ISSC semi-automatic .22 caliber pistol was seized. Jordan, with three prior felony convictions, is prohibited from firearm possession.
An archaeologist testified about the significant cost, over $500, for the restoration and repair of the disrupted archaeological sites at Kisatchie National Forest.
Jordan could face up to 2 years in prison and a $20,000 fine for unauthorized archaeological removal, alongside restitution for site damages. For the firearms conviction, he faces up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The case was a joint investigation by the U.S. Forest Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Louisiana State Police, and the Grant Parish Sheriff's Office, prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys William C. Gaskins and Mike Shannon.
