Developer accused of destroying Native remains and artifacts in Georgia

The federal government filed a lawsuit against Savannah Land Holdings for allegedly destroying Native American artifacts and human remains at a development site in Richmond Hill, Georgia, according to WTOC. The company is accused of failing to follow conditions of a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 404 permit, which required protection of cultural resources across 18 archaeological sites.

The complaint states that more than 80,000 artifacts were not properly curated and 3,000 were lost or disposed of. It also alleges Savannah Land Holdings failed to consult with the Seminole Tribe of Florida, the Georgia State Historic Preservation Office and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as required. The company reportedly continued excavation after discovering human remains. The federal government is seeking to halt development, secure the site and impose civil penalties.