Almost 2,000 human bones from Native American sites were among thousands of artifacts discovered in an Indiana man's home.
An FBI investigation determined that homeowner, Don Miller, may have knowingly and unknowingly collected objects in violation of several treaties and federal and state statutes.
Miller, who died in 2015 aged 90, collected artifacts from around the world particularly during his time as an engineer during World War II and also from his missionary work in Haiti.
Don Miller, (pictured) may have knowingly and unknowingly collected objects in violation of several treaties and federal and state statutes
Experts concluded that the remains found at Miller's residence likely came from Native American tribes including the Arikara
Before his death, Miller agreed to let the FBI seize some 5,000 artifacts so they could be returned to their countries of origin.
But disturbingly, about 2,000 human bones were discovered among the collection.
Tim Carpenter, who heads the FBI's art crime unit, told CBS News: 'To the best of our knowledge right now, those 2,000 bones represent about 500 human beings.
'It's very staggering,' Carpenter said. It was previously reported that the items, stored in several buildings on the property about 35 miles southeast of Indianapolis
Asked how the bones came into Miller's position, Carpenter replied: ' I don't know. I truly don't know.'
Over the years, Miller had willingly showed his collection to reporters, residents, and even local Boy Scout troops. This is what alerted the FBI to the case.
Experts concluded that the remains found at Miller's residence likely came from Native American tribes including the Arikara.
Holly Cusack-McVeigh, a professor of archaeology told CBS News: 'This comes down to a basic human right.
An estimated 42,000 items, including pre-Colombian pottery, an Italian mosaic, and items from China including jewelry from 500 BC are included in the collection
Don Miller, (pictured), collected artifacts from around the world particularly during his time as an engineer during World War II and also from his missionary work in Haiti
'We have to think about the context of:
