A Postal Office service driver is facing charges after he reportedly burned American-Indian artifacts to hide away damage to a package.

According to Donald Ring III, 36, said he was ignorant of the origin and significance of the Iroquois artifacts dated 1830s. The artifacts with two sacred masks, was scheudled to be returned to England.

U.S. District Court to Theft of Mail, Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Eurenius released Ring when he pleaded not guilty on the charges and after posting bail.

The former post office driver, said the package was damaged last December 29 after being crushed during transit. Ring also said he was afraid to lose his job so he burned the package in his backyard.

Tony Gonyea, a member of the Onodaga Nation stated that the items being transported to England was not for public display. The package includes two false face masks and eight beaded picture frames with antique photos. It was said used in healing ceremonies in the early 1800s.

"They were most likely considered priceless,'' Eurenius said.