JUNEAU, Alaska – The Rodrigo family’s scheme to sell Philippine products as authentic Alaska Native artwork has reached its conclusion with the sentencing of the final two members. Glenda Tiglao Rodrigo, 46, and her son Christian Ryan Tiglao Rodrigo, 24, were handed down sentences yesterday that include confinement, community service, probation, and restitution.
Glenda was sentenced to up to six months’ home confinement, 240 hours of community service, five years’ probation, and a letter of apology published in the Ketchikan Daily Newspaper. Her son received up to three months’ home confinement, 200 hours of community service, and five years’ probation. Together with their father, they were ordered to pay over $54,000 in restitution.
Cristobal Rodrigo, 59, Glenda’s husband and Christian’s father, was sentenced to two years in prison for his role in the scheme, though his sentence was later reduced to 18 months. His sentence remains the longest ever received for an Indian Arts and Crafts Act violation in the U.S.
The Rodrigues operated Alaska Stone Arts, LLC and Rail Creek, LLC, selling stone carvings and wood totem poles that were actually produced in the Philippines. They falsely claimed the artwork was sourced from local Alaska Natives. The deception spanned five years, from April 2016 to December 2021.
U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker emphasized the cultural affront of the Rodrigo family’s actions and hailed the sentences as a commitment to protecting Alaska Native heritage. Indian Arts and Crafts Board Director Meridith Stanton highlighted the Act’s intent to remove counterfeit products from the marketplace, ensuring authenticity in art sales.
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Key Facts
- State: Alaska
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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