Artifact Collectors Enter Pleas

An Oregon couple accused of stashing 30,000 artifacts in their home pleaded innocent Friday to felony charges of disturbing an Indian burial ground in southeastern Washington.

Trial for John Joseph Horner Jr. 48, and Leona J. Lightle, 42, of Irrigon was set for Sept. 5 in Benton County Superior Court.

Lt. John Hodge of the sheriff’s office said at least 30,000 artifacts have been recovered from the home, including arrowheads, spearheads, stone tools, stone fragments and beads.

Investigators weren’t certain how many of the items came from a protected ancient burial site on the Columbia River in Washington’s Benton County.