Peter Larson
Peter Lars Larson is an American fossil dealer who is head of the Black Hills Institute of Geological Research, which specialises in the excavation and preparation of fossils. He led the team that excavated "Sue", one of the largest and most complete specimens of Tyrannosaurus rex, which was the subject of a legal dispute resulting in its seizure and public auction. In 1996, Larson was convicted of customs violations related to failing to declare money he had brought from overseas as well as taking two fossils from federal land, and served 18 months in prison.
Peter Larson | |
|---|---|
| Born | Peter Lars Larson 1952 (age 71–72) |
| Education | Bachelor's in geology, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology |
| Children | 3 |
| Criminal information | |
| Criminal status | Convicted |
| Conviction(s) | 2 felony counts for United States customs violations involving money declaration and two misdemeanors for the illegal removal of two fossils from Federal government land |
| Criminal penalty | 2 years in prison |
| Imprisoned at | Federal Correctional Complex, Florence |
He has published scientific and popular works on dinosaur paleontology. Larson has been criticized by paleontologists for his commercial enterprises and support of private collections.