A 35-year-old Renton, Washington man has been caught red-handed in a scheme to deceive art enthusiasts with fake Chihuly glass sales.
Michael Little pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Seattle to wire fraud in connection with his scheme to advertise and sell fake Chihuly artwork. According to records, between 2011 and April 2013, Little offered for sale or sold various pieces of glass art and paintings that he represented were the original work of Dale Chihuly.
The artworks bore a signature that appeared to be Chihuly’s and Little provided paperwork that he said authenticated the pieces as the work of Dale Chihuly. However, an expert in Chihuly’s work examined the pieces at the request of a number of the purchasers and determined they were fakes. The papers that were supposed to authenticate the works were forged.
Wire fraud is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Little made at least $40,000 selling the fakes.
The case was investigated by Seattle-Tacoma Border Enforcement Security Task Force (BEST Seattle), led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Diggs.
Little will be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert S. Lasnik on October 4, 2013.
Michael Little, the defendant, will face the consequences of his actions. The case highlights the importance of verifying the authenticity of art pieces before making a purchase.
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Key Facts
- State: Washington
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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