News Release
NPS case file photo.
News Release Date: April 21, 2021
Contact: NPS Investigative Services Branch, 202-379-4761
Harrison, AR – Following a multi-year investigation by special agents of the National Park Service (NPS) Investigative Services Branch and park rangers, Michael L. Walters from Heber Springs, Arkansas, was sentenced earlier this month for violating the Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA) while within Buffalo National River. Walters, age 64, was indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2020 and pleaded guilty in December 2020.
Court documents show that in August 2015, park rangers located Walters and his spouse engaged in excavating, defacing, and actively attempting to remove artifacts from a pre-historic and historic archeological site within the park. Investigators served multiple search warrants, yielding evidence connecting both to the alleged violations. Both were charged with ARPA violations as well as aiding and abetting one another.
Walters was sentenced to serve two years federal supervised probation, pay $4,111 in restitution to the federal government and he is banned from entering Buffalo National River for the duration of his probation. Walters’ spouse passed away in March 2021 prior to sentencing.
The case was prosecuted by the US Attorney's Office for the Western District of Arkansas. The judge consulted with representatives of three Native American tribes during the sentencing phase. The federal judge cited the importance of archeological resource protection and the cultural interest of Native Americans in traditional sites that are vandalized for the artifacts they contain in making this judgement. While thanking law enforcement and prosecutors, the judge cited the case disposition, minor damage caused, Walters’ lack of a criminal record and the recent death of Walters’ spouse in determining the sentence.
The NPS reminds the public that all national parks are protected by federal laws and regulations. Archeological resources on public and Indian lands are an accessible and irreplaceable part of the nation’s heritage. Enacted in 1979, ARPA makes it a violation of federal law to excavate, remove, damage, or otherwise alter or deface, or attempt to do so, any archeological resource located on public or Indian lands. Penalties for persons convicted of felony violations may include up to two years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000.
ISB: the Investigative Services Branch of the National Park Service
Last updated: April 21, 2021