No Arrests Likely after Discovery
of Missing State Library Documents
State police have concluded that nine historical documents on display at the Mashantucket (Conn.) Pequot Museum and Research Center were obtained legally, despite an incomplete trail of ownership that suggests they were once stolen from the Connecticut State Library. The papers’ removal appears to have taken place decades ago—long enough for any statute of limitations to have run out. Detective Nicholas DeJohn told MSNBC December 8 that “The tribe acquired these papers through legal means. By no means am I accusing the Mashantuckets of any criminal wrongdoing whatsoever.”
When a visitor to the museum requested a copy of one of the documents from the state library and the staff was unable to find it, Connecticut State Librarian Kendall Wiggin met with Pequot representatives to determine what they had and try to trace how they had acquired it.
Wiggin and museum officials concluded that the tribe had acquired the manuscripts through reputable dealers and auction houses. After two months of work, police were unable to trace ownership much before the purchase. Tribal Chairman Kenneth Reels has offered to return the documents to the state library under the condition that they are properly cared for.
Posted December 18, 2000.
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