Two men have been indicted for the desecration of a Native American burial site in Fulton County.
During the July term of the Fulton County Grand Jury, Matthew Kell and Micheal Wilson, of Graves County, were indicted on felony charges that included Desecration of Venerated Objects, Criminal Trespassing and Defacement or Disturbance of Historical Grounds.
The charges stemmed from an investigation by the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office.
An investigation showed Kell and Wilson unlawfully entered land known to contain a significant Native American burial ground.
Sheriff’s reports say the two are alleged to have excavated the site, which led to the removal of artifacts of cultural and religious importance.
During their arrest, officers recovered a collection of Native American artifacts, along with human remains.
Sheriff Chad Parker said the actions represented a “grave violation of the sanctity of indigenous heritage, and an appalling disregard for federal and state laws protecting cultural sites”.
Sheriff Parker said they are now working with officials from the Federal Bureau of Indian Affairs, Chickasaw Nation, and other cultural heritage preservation experts.
Felony arrest warrants have been issued for Kell and Wilson in the case.
