United States v. One Lucite Ball Containing Lunar Material

Findings Of Fact And Conclusions Of Law

JORDAN, District Judge.

The United States seeks civil forfeiture in rem of one lucite ball containing lunar material, that is, a moon rock, and one 10 inch by 14 inch wooden plaque. It asserts that the moon rock and plaque are stolen property that were introduced into the United States in violation of 19 U.S.C. § 1595a(c)(l)(A). The claimant, Alan Ro-sen — who purchased the items from a retired Honduran colonel for $50,000 — argues that he is entitled to the return of the property because, among other things, the government has failed to establish…