Former Effigy Mounds Superintendent pleads guilty to embezzlement charges

by Jason Meyer

Appearing in U.S. District Court in Cedar Rapids Monday, January 4, Thomas Munson, the former Effigy Mounds National Monument Superintendent accused of removing ancient human remains from the national monument, pleaded guilty to misdemeanor embezzlement and theft of prehistoric human skeletal remains.
As part of his plea deal with the U.S. Attorney's Office, Munson, age 76, of Prairie du Chien, WI, will serve one year probation, including 12 months home detention, 10 consecutive weekends in jail, and 100 hours of community service. Additionally, he must make a written public apology to the Native American tribes impacted by the actions Munson pleaded guilty to, as well as to the National Park Service.
Munson must also pay at least $108,905 in restitution to the National Park Service, the cost of repair and restoration of the mishandled remains. Sentencing will take place at a future date.