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February 13, 2003
William Elam's dive equipment probably won't be getting wet anytime soon.
Elam, 44, of Sebastian, was sentenced Wednesday by Indian River County Circuit Court Judge Cynthia Cox to five years probation and 150 hours of community service as punishment for stealing several shipwreck artifacts, such as cannonballs and ship's rigging, from submerged state land last year.
He's prohibited from diving in waters over state land during his probation, unless officials from the state Division of Historical Resources need him to help document the exact locations of where he found some of the items he stole. Jim Miller, state archaeologist for the division, said he's not sure yet if the state will need Elam's assistance.
Elam also was ordered to pay $5,500 in investigation costs. His probation could end after three years if he follows all the requirements.
Elam, who makes a living doing yard and roof work and other jobs, does not have a salvage permit. He pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful excavation of archaeological specimens, a third-degree felony, and one count of unlawful removal of archaeological specimens, a misdemeanor.
"It's our hope that this sentence will send a message to modern-day pirates that Florida's historical treasures are not available for plunder," Assistant State Attorney Ryan Butler said.
Elam, who was represented by Assistant Public Defender Michael Heisey, said he gets the message.
Some of the stolen historical artifacts were seized from Elam last summer. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission had received a report that Elam was seen removing various objects from the ocean near Vero Beach.
In November, commission officials with a search warrant found several other stolen artifacts at Elam's home.
Investigators said he took several of the objects from areas of the ocean that are only to be explored under state contracts held by salvage companies, such as Historical Research and Development of Orlando and Fort Pierce. Butler said Elam told investigators that he took some objects from the Panhandle.
Elam's community service requirement calls for him to educate the public on the importance of preserving and documenting historical artifacts. For example, he must help state officials create a public service announcement renouncing illegal artifact collecting.
- tony.judnich@scripps.com
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