Lady Justice
A federal jury in Alexandria has returned a guilty verdict against 57-year-old Roy Everett Jordan, Jr. of Georgetown, Louisiana, for the unauthorized removal of archaeological resources and illegal possession of a firearm. The trial, presided over by United States District Judge Dee D. Drell, concluded in just 30 minutes with Jordan’s conviction.
The charges stemmed from an investigation by U.S. Forest Service agents into unauthorized digging at several Native American archaeological sites within the Kisatchie National Forest in Grant Parish, Louisiana, in 2022. The investigation revealed that Jordan had been illegally digging in areas known to contain arrowheads and other historically significant artifacts.
Agents obtained photographic evidence of Jordan at the dig sites, and shortly after, Jordan posted on social media about his discovery of pottery at the location. The post provided further clues linking him to the illegal activity. A search warrant was executed at Jordan’s residence, where authorities found numerous artifacts, including arrowheads and pottery shards. The items were discovered in a shed on the property, along with clothing matching what Jordan had been seen wearing in the photos from the dig site.
In addition to the archaeological findings, agents discovered a loaded ISSC semi-automatic .22 caliber pistol on the property. Jordan, who has three prior felony convictions, is prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law.
An archaeologist testified during the trial that the damage caused by the illegal digging at the Kisatchie National Forest would cost over $500 to repair and restore.
As a result of the conviction, Jordan faces significant penalties. He could receive a sentence of up to two years in prison and a fine of up to $20,000 for the removal of archaeological resources, along with restitution for the damage to the archaeological sites. Additionally, for the illegal possession of a firearm, Jordan faces up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
The investigation into Jordan’s actions was led by the U.S. Forest Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Louisiana State Police, and the Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys William C. Gaskins and Mike Shannon.
