In a message dated 97-01-23 18:42:24 EST, you write:

<<
 Finally, museums don't prosecute anyone, and, in my experience, don't
 urge prosecution of anyone. They are not only within their rights, but
 are also complying with legal restrictions, when they notify agencies of
 the donation of material suspected to have been stolen. >>

Actualy a number of us have tried to prosecute - for thefts from us though -
the response has been ususally lack of interst due to low proiority in
prosecuting heritage crime. Prosecutor's reputation and funding are based on
real-politic - drugs and such - Although theft of big dollar objects still
commands attention

Greg Koos
McLean County Historical Scoiety

Greg Koos