A federal grand jury in Tucson has indicted Leo Reynoso, 46, of Tucson, Arizona, on two counts related to the unauthorized excavation and trafficking of archeological resources from the Gila River Indian Community. The indictment was issued on December 3, 2025.
According to the indictment, Reynoso is accused of excavating and removing artifacts from archeological sites located on tribal land without authorization. The items allegedly taken include Indian Trader tokens, coins, buttons, crucifixes, jewelry, and other objects. Prosecutors state that some of these artifacts were sold without a permit.
An assessment estimated that the commercial value of the recovered artifacts is about $5,700. The archeological value was estimated at approximately $29,000. Restoration and repair costs for the affected sites are projected to be around $23,000.
If convicted on both counts—Unauthorized Excavation of Archeological Resources and Trafficking in Archeological Resources—Reynoso faces up to two years in prison per count and fines up to $20,000 for each offense.
The investigation involved the United States Forest Service and the Gila River Indian Community Police Department. The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona in Tucson is prosecuting the case.
“An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.”
