Renton Grifter Peddles Fake Chihuly, Nets $40K

SEATTLE – Michael Little, 35, of Renton, Washington, is facing the music after pleading guilty today in U.S. District Court to wire fraud. Little ran a brazen scheme, flooding eBay with fake Dale Chihuly artwork and pocketing at least $40,000 from unsuspecting buyers. U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan announced the guilty plea, signaling a swift reckoning for the art forger.

Between 2011 and April 2013, Little wasn’t dealing in genuine artistry; he was dealing in deception. He sourced cheap, generic glasswork and paintings online, then slapped on a forged signature and fabricated a backstory to convince buyers it was the real deal. The scheme relied on convincing paperwork – also forged – supposedly authenticating the pieces as the work of the world-renowned Dale Chihuly. He spun elaborate tales to potential buyers, even claiming his family’s lottery winnings were the source of the “rare” collection.

The con unraveled when concerned purchasers had the pieces examined by a Chihuly expert. The verdict was swift and damning: the artwork was fake, the paperwork bogus. The Seattle-Tacoma Border Enforcement Security Task Force (BEST Seattle) launched an investigation, quickly uncovering the scope of Little’s fraudulent operation. BEST Seattle, a multi-agency force comprised of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Customs and Border Protection, the Secret Service, the Coast Guard, the FBI, the Postal Inspection Service, and the Port of Seattle Police Department, doesn’t mess around with counterfeits.

“This wasn’t just a case of misrepresentation; it was a calculated attempt to defraud art lovers and collectors,” stated a source close to the investigation, speaking on condition of anonymity. “Little preyed on the prestige of the Chihuly name to line his pockets. The sophistication of the forgery and the elaborate lies he told demonstrate a clear intent to deceive.” The case highlights the growing problem of art fraud in the online marketplace, where verifying authenticity can be a significant challenge.

Little is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert S. Lasnik on October 4, 2013. He faces a stiff penalty for his crimes: up to 20 years in federal prison and a potential fine of $250,000. Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Diggs is prosecuting the case, ensuring Little pays for his deception. The investigation serves as a warning to others considering similar schemes – federal authorities are actively monitoring the art market and will pursue those who attempt to profit from fraud.

BEST Seattle continues to focus on combating smuggling and related crimes, targeting criminal organizations exploiting vulnerabilities at the Seattle and Tacoma seaports. This case demonstrates the task force’s commitment to protecting intellectual property and ensuring the integrity of the art market. For those considering buying high-value artwork, experts advise thorough due diligence and verification of authenticity before making a purchase.