Nantucket Man Accused of Trafficking in Sperm Whale Teeth

On May 13, a federal grand jury sitting in Boston returned an indictment that was unsealed Friday against David L. Place, the owner of Manor House Antiques Cooperative in Nantucket.

Place was arrested Friday at his home on Nantucket.

The indictment charges Place with multiple counts of conspiracy and Lacey Act violations for buying and illegally importing sperm whale teeth into the United States, as well as selling the teeth after their illegal importation.

The indictment alleges that from 2001 to 2004, Place knowingly purchased and imported sperm whale teeth into the United States in violation of federal law.

Sperm whales are classified as Endangered under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, and are listed on Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, which prohibits commercial trade in listed species.

Vintage whale scrimshaw Moby Dick trinket jewelry box (Photo credit unknown)

It is illegal to import sperm whale teeth into the United States without the required permits and certifications, and without declaring the merchandise at the time of importation to U.S. Customs and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The indictment also alleges that Place conspired with people located in Ukraine to illegally import the protected whale teeth for re-sale in the United States.

Sperm whale teeth can fetch large sums of money from collectors and tourists when they are used for scrimshaw, the art of etching, engraving or carving designs in the teeth.

If convicted of these charges, Place faces up to five years in prison on each of the most serious charges, as well as fines up to $250,000.

The case was investigated by agents from National Oceanic and Atomospheric Administration - Office of Law Enforcement, the Fish and Wildlife Service - Office of Law Enforcement, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

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