News Release from Oregon State Police – Statewide
* Clarification * The initial release Headline indicated Cotallese was arrested while the body stated it was forwarded to the District Attorney’s Office. The Headline was incorrect and he has not been arrested at this point.
Klamath Falls,Ore.
On February 19, 2015, the Oregon State Police (OSP) Fish and Wildlife Division in Klamath Falls, concluded a seven-month-long investigation into the unlawful take, possession, and sale of archaeological . A search warrant, served at the residence of DOUGLAS COTALLESE, age 46, of Klamath Falls, resulted in the recovery of numerous archaeological objects including funerary items and items of cultural patrimony. Troopers also located methamphetamine, scales, pack aging materials, and other drug paraphernalia items.
According to Sergeant Randall Hand of the Klamath Falls Office an extended drought in the region has exposed many archaeological areas normally concealed by water. Oregon Law says a person may not remove any archaeological object located on public or private lands unless that activity is authorized by permit. This case is being forwarded to the Klamath County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.
The Oregon State Police was assisted by the Klamath Tribe, the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
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