Lawmakers support a resolution asking President Obama to grant a pardon to Peter L. Larson. Larson led the team that discovered an important Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton later named Sue. Lawsuits followed, and he served two years in federal prison for an unrelated charge.
Pete Larson founded the Black Hills Institute of Geological Research in Hill City. In August of 1990, Larson and his team of researchers discovered the largest and most complete T. Rex skeleton ever found. Representative Mike Verchio says Larson paid the landowner to excavate the fossilized skeleton.
“Once it was discovered that Sue was the most scientifically important T. Rex ever found, and had great value, the lawsuits and accusations began,” Verchio says. “The rancher claimed underpayment, and the Tribe claimed it was on trust land, thus getting the federal government involved. After the longest criminal trial in South Dakota history, the rancher was awarded the ownership of the six million dollar dinosaur, and Mr. Larson, thanks to what we believe was overzealous federal prosecution was sentenced to two years in federal prison.”
The sentence was the result of an unrelated charge. Larson had gone to South America and had taken and returned with an amount of cash above the legal limit. Larson said he didn’t know he had broken a law, but was sentenced to two years in federal prison. He completed his sentence and two years of probation 15 years ago. Verchio says Larson continues to contribute to science, as well as education in South Dakota, and the state’s tourism industry.
“Through his exemplary citizenship, his ability to overcome adversity, his positive attitude, Mr. Larson has inspired students, scientists, and entrepreneurs around the world. We believe Mr. Larson has earned the right to have a clean slate,” Verchio says.
Members of the Senate Judiciary Committee agree Larson should receive a pardon. They voted unanimously to pass House Joint Resolution 1002.