MASSAC COUNTY - State and county officials are looking for the people responsible for looting Native American burial mounds in rural Massac and Pope counties.

Three holes were drilled into a mound at Kincaid Mounds within the past few weeks, said David Blanchette, spokesman for the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.

Two of the holes are close to where looters dug last year and authorities believe both incidents could be related.

"This was done by somebody who has some idea of the historic value of these sites," Blanchette said.

Each of the holes dug into the side of the mound was several feet wide and deep. The holes will be filled in, according to a news release.

Authorities do not know what artifacts or human remains were taken, Blanchette said. It is state policy not to disturb human remains, and authorities do not know exactly what was in the mound before the looting.

"The criminal disturbance of these human burials in Kincaid Mounds in unconscionable," said Jan Grimes, the agency's director, in a news release.

Kincaid Mounds, which consists of nine mounds in Massac and Pope counties, is a national historic landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

It is considered an important historical site because it was one of two major political centers in the lower Ohio River Valley from 1000 to 1450, according to a news release. The area consists of burial mounds, large platform mounds and part of a village site.

Those responsible for the looting could face a fine of up to $10,000 and up to one year in jail for violating two state laws protecting human remains and archaeological sites. Looters could also be charged with a Class 4 felony, disturbing a burial on public property. This could result in a $25,000 fine and one to three years in jail.

People with information about the looting are encouraged to call the Massac County Sheriff's Department at 524-2912 or the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency at (217) 558-8973. A $2,000 reward is available for information that leads to the arrest of the looters.

laura.chapman@thesouthern.com

351-5816