GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (AP) – An attorney wants evidence thrown out that was gathered by an FBI informant who spent two years helping the government build its case in the largest-ever American Indian artifacts looting case.

Sixty-six-year-old Robert Knowlton of Grand Junction is accused selling three items stolen from federal land to FBI informant Ted Gardiner, a 52-year-old Utah antiquities dealer, who committed suicide last month. Knowlton attorney Jeffrey Pagliuca says videotapes and audio recordings made by Gardiner are now inadmissible at trial because Gardiner can't be questioned in court about them.

Prosecutors have until April 30 to respond. A hearing on the matter is set in Denver U.S. District Court for May 28.

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Information from: The Daily Sentinel, http://www.gjsentinel.com