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Albuquerque, NM--A federal jury in New Mexico convicted Robert Haack of wire fraud, mail fraud, and violating the Indian Arts and Crafts Act for selling counterfeit Charles Loloma jewelry on eBay, according to a release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of New Mexico. The verdict was reached after a four-day trial and approximately four hours of deliberation.

According to the release, Haack produced fake Charles Loloma jewelry pieces in his California home and sold them on eBay for several thousand dollars each. Authentic Loloma pieces are valued at tens of thousands of dollars and are displayed in galleries and museums across the Southwest.

Undercover federal agents purchased two pieces from Haack on eBay for forensic analysis. Charles Loloma’s niece, Verma Nequatewa, testified that the pieces were fake. The release also noted that evidence from Haack’s home included raw jewelry-making materials, unfinished counterfeit pieces, engraving tools hidden in a boot, practice Loloma signatures on metal shards, and design sketches.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office release, Haack sold more than $400,000 worth of counterfeit Loloma jewelry over several years, impacting both defrauded buyers and the Native American art community.

Following the verdict, the court ordered Haack to remain on conditions of release pending sentencing. He faces up to 20 years in prison, with no parole available in the federal system.

The release credited the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Indian Arts and Crafts Board for their assistance in the investigation.

Learn more in this release by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

[Images via justice.gov]