David Place Sentenced To Prison For Trafficking Sperm Whale Teeth, Narwhal Tusks

BOSTON — A Massachusetts antiques dealer convicted of illegally importing and trafficking in sperm whale teeth and narwhal whale tusks worth up to $400,000 has been sentenced to nearly three years in prison.

Authorities say David Place was sentenced Tuesday after a federal jury in Boston convicted him of eight counts including conspiracy and violating a law against trading in illegally captured wildlife.

Place owned Manor House Antiques Cooperative in Nantucket. Prosecutors say he committed the violations from 2001 to 2004.

Place's business phone is disconnected. Someone who answered the phone at his home Tuesday said he wasn't there.

A co-conspirator from Odessa, Ukraine, served a nine-month sentence in the U.S. and was deported.

Sperm whales are classified as endangered.

Male narwhals have long, spiral tusks. Females have shorter, straighter tusks. Their species is considered threatened.

Comments

[eyelashviper]

12:16 PM on 03/06/2011

This article does not specify the origin or age of the teeth and tusks, which is confusing. Any antique tusks, whale teeth, ivory,and tortoise shell, are permissible and can be sold, though they clearly must be authentic antique items. Most of the items may not be taken in or out of the country, and most of Europe has similar laws.
It certainly sounds like Mr.Place was trafficking in illegal items, so the penalty should be harsh.

[pita143]

06:53 PM on 03/05/2011

Than I am going to be in trouble. I have 3 pieces of scrimshaw that is over 100 years old. The only good thing about them is the fact that I have had them dated and certified.
I know of no reason why the teeth can not be sold and used to fund research. With micro laser etching the pieces could be numbers and certified to insure they are authorized and not Black Market.

[butchcliff]

05:52 AM on 03/04/2011

Shouldn't he also forfeit certain assets as well...proceeds of the crime?

[FTracy3]

12:08 AM on 03/04/2011

Lindsay Lohan says those teeth and tusks were loaned to her.

[MrSimythe]

11:51 PM on 03/03/2011

Odessa is a City in the Ukraine?!?! This cannot be a coincidence...

[Cori527]

08:28 PM on 03/03/2011

Three years? He deserved fifty. No parole.