Robert Haack, Wire Fraud and Indian Arts Violations, New Mexico 2023
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - A California man is facing up to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud and federal Indian Arts violations.
Robert Haack, 55, of Los Angeles, California, pleaded guilty in federal court on October 19 to violations of the Indian Arts and Crafts Act and wire fraud.
According to the plea agreement, on April 4, 2013, Haack listed and sold a fake piece of Native American jewelry online, claiming it to be made and signed by a famed Hopi Tribe artisan, Charles Loloma, to an undercover law enforcement agent.
On June 15, 2014, Haack again listed and sold another fake piece of Native American jewelry online to an undercover law enforcement agent.
Haack is currently out of custody awaiting sentencing.
The U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife, Office of Law Enforcement investigated this case with assistance from the Indians Arts and Crafts Board. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Frederick T. Mendenhall and Nicholas Marshall are prosecuting the case.
Haack faces up to 20 years in prison for his crimes. The full extent of the sentence will be determined at a later date.
The investigation and prosecution of this case is a testament to the ongoing effort to protect Native American artisans and prevent the sale of fake Native American jewelry.
Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Category: Cybercrime|White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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