Mother, daughter plead guilty in artifacts case

By MIKE STARK
Associated Press Writer

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - A mother and daughter have pleaded guilty to several felony charges stemming from a sweeping federal investigation into the theft and illegal trafficking of American Indian artifacts from the Four Corners area.

Jeanne (JEAN'-nee) Redd, 59, pleaded guilty Monday to seven federal counts of theft of government property, theft of tribal property and trafficking in stolen artifacts.

Her 37-year-old daughter, Jerrica Redd - who is newly charged in the case - pleaded guilty to three similar counts.

Both are from Blanding in southeastern Utah.

As part of a plea agreement, prosecutors say they will recommend a lesser sentence for the pair.

Sentencing for both is set for Sept. 16.

Both women declined comment as they left the federal courthouse Monday in Salt Lake City.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)