Archivist of the United States’ Statement on Jason Savedoff Sentencing
Press Release · Friday, November 9, 2012

Washington, DC

“Today the U.S. District Court sentenced an individual, Jason Savedoff, who stole thousands of original documents from major archival repositories, including the Franklin Roosevelt Presidential Library in Hyde Park, NY.

This individual, and his partner, Barry Landau, systematically targeted artifacts from our history, in research institutions, to sell for personal profit. Their crimes were crimes against America’s priceless historical legacy, and the heritage that we pass to our children.

I want to personally thank the Maryland Historical Society, the Department of Justice, our own Office of Inspector General, and the National Archives Holdings Protection Team, for their work on this case. Close coordination with these tireless stewards allowed us to stop Jason Savedoff and Barry Landau, to build a case against them, and to bring them to justice.

The security of the holdings of the National Archives is my highest priority. I will not tolerate any violation of the law that protects both records and property that belongs to the U.S. government and the American people.

The National Archives does not stand alone. All repositories of historical records and artifacts are faced with the serious challenge to keep their holdings secure. Any theft of our nation’s records is an irreplaceable loss. We at the National Archives must remain constantly vigilant, to ensure the protection of our nation’s precious heritage, while at the same time balancing the right of every American to have access to original records.”

David S. Ferriero
ARCHIVIST OF THE UNITED STATES

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