A Lake Elsinore woman was under investigation on suspicion of trying to sell a national treasure -- a moon rock.
NASA agents working with Riverside County sheriff's deputies picked up the woman Thursday in a sting operation, but she was not arrested -- until authorities determine if the alleged moon rock is indeed from out of this world.
"(An) undercover NASA agent met with the seller of the moon rock and agreed to buy the artifact for approximately $1.7 million,'' Sheriff's Sgt. Todd Pauling said. ``After conversation, the moon rock was produced inside the restaurant (and) several (sheriff's) investigators and NASA agents moved in on the suspect, took possession of the rock and detained the suspect.''
According to NASA, rock samples gathered on the moon during the Apollo missions of the 1960s and '70s are considered national treasures. Nearly 300 rocks were brought back to Earth. Each of the 50 states received one, as did dignitaries from more than 100 countries.
The name of the woman who was allegedly trying to sell the rock was withheld. She was detained after agents arranged a meeting at a Lake Elsinore restaurant.
