Robert Haack, 58, of Los Angeles, was found guilty on January 30 of wire fraud and mail fraud for his role in selling counterfeit jewelry attributed to the renowned Native American artist, Charles Loloma. Loloma, one of the most celebrated jewelry makers of the 20th century, is known for creating unique pieces that are featured in galleries and museums across the Southwest. His authentic jewelry can sell for tens of thousands of dollars.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Haack engaged in a scheme to deceive buyers by producing counterfeit Loloma jewelry in his California home and selling the fraudulent pieces for thousands of dollars each on eBay.
Federal investigators used undercover agents to purchase two pieces from Haack on eBay for authenticity analysis. Verma Nequatewa, Loloma’s niece and a jeweler, examined the pieces and testified that they were fake. Evidence recovered from Haack’s home included raw materials for jewelry-making, unfinished Loloma-style pieces, hidden engraving tools, and design sketches, pointing to the scale of the operation.
Federal authorities estimate that Haack defrauded buyers of over $400,000 by selling the counterfeit pieces. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service emphasized the significant impact this fraud had on the Native American art and craft market, highlighting the harm done to consumers and the cultural livelihood of Native American artists and Tribes.
