View 1 more
FILE - In this Oct. 24, 2011 file photo, Custer Battlefield Museum director Christopher Kortlander describes a painting depicting the Battle of Little Bighorn on display at the museum in Garryown, Mont. Kortlander is seeking the return of artifacts seize Matthew Brown, File, Associated Press
View 1 more
FILE - In this Oct. 24, 2011 file photo, Christopher Kortlander sweeps the entrance to his Custer-theme museum in Garryowen, Mont. Kortlander is seeking the return of 22 Indian war bonnets and other items still held by the government following a five-year Matthew Brown, File, Associated Press
By Associated Press

BILLINGS, Mont. — Government attorneys say a cache of American Indian artifacts seized during raids on a Custer-themed Montana museum includes items allegedly stolen from members of the Crow Tribe.

That assertion was detailed in court documents filed by the government to explain why it has not returned the artifacts to the Custer Battlefield Museum in Garryowen.

Federal officials investigated museum director Christopher Kortlander for alleged artifact fraud from 2005-2009. Government attorneys contend 22 items seized in the raids are "contraband" that cannot be returned, including war bonnets, medicine bundles and other items containing protected bird feathers.

Four artifacts were allegedly stolen. There is no indication Kortlander was directly involved.

View Comments

No charges have been filed. Kortlander says he acquired the artifacts legally and has filed a lawsuit seeking their return.

Join the Conversation
Looking for comments?
Find comments in their new home! Click the buttons at the top or within the article to view them — or use the button below for quick access.