A man from Asotin, Washington has pleaded guilty to disturbing an archaeological site within the Umatilla National Forest. According to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington, Shane Dee Caldwell, 39, entered his plea on September 16, 2025.
Court documents show that between June and August 2023, Caldwell visited a protected archaeological area in the forest and used tools to collect a rock believed to be an artifact and dig for additional items. The site is located along the Great Nez Perce Trail in land traditionally inhabited by the Nez Perce (Nimiipuu) Tribe. Artifacts dating back thousands of years have previously been documented there by Forest Service archaeologists.
An assessment by archaeologists from both the U.S. National Forest Service and the Nez Perce Tribe estimated that the value of artifacts in the disturbed area was nearly $28,000. They also determined that restoring and repairing damage would cost about $6,000.
In February 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Caldwell’s home. Authorities recovered 522 pieces suspected to be Native American artifacts; 514 were confirmed as such. Most matched types found at the affected archaeological site. Investigators also found maps with marked areas known for their Native American heritage.
Under a plea agreement, Caldwell agreed not to claim any interest in these seized assets. The U.S. Forest Service is working with the Nez Perce Tribe to return them through its Cultural Resource Program.
At sentencing, Magistrate Judge Alex C. Ekstrom stated: “There has been, historically in the United States, a lack of respect for items that belong to First Nation folks, and it has been a blind spot in the United States for a long period of time.” Judge Ekstrom acknowledged tribal frustrations over ongoing thefts of cultural items. Caldwell apologized during proceedings.
U.S. Attorney Pete Serrano said: “The individual pursuit and hunt for artifacts and archaeological resources is a harmful and destructive action that erases invaluable pieces of the history of Native Americans. My office takes seriously the disturbance and theft of any Indian cultural items or sites and will continue to hold accountable those who illegally excavate, take, possess, or traffic in such items.”
Acting Special Agent in Charge Canuto Molina from USDA Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region commented: “The Forest Service is committed to upholding our trust and treaty responsibilities with Tribal Nations and protecting cultural and archaeological resources on national forest lands. These resources are irreplaceable and safeguarding them is central to honoring our government-to-government relationships… We appreciate the strong partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Nez Perce Tribe in bringing this case forward and ensuring these sites remain protected for future generations.”
Nakia Williamson, Director of the Nez Perce Tribe Cultural Resource Program said: “The Nez Perce Tribe Cultural Resource Program is reassured that some level of accountability has been rendered for willful damage and removal of Archaeological Resources from the Umatilla National Forest… The 522 artifacts that have been seized will be restored to the Nez Perce Tribe and will be taken care of according to traditional protocols… These are not simply ‘resources’ to our community but are a testament to our enduring connection to federally managed lands.”
The investigation was conducted by U.S. Forest Service personnel with prosecution handled by former Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Ohms, Contract Law Clerk Echo D. Fatsis, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tyler H.L. Tornabene.
