CrimeSep 01, 2020
4 Sentenced, 1 Sought in Case Involving Fake Native American JewelryCrimeJul 30, 2024
Florida Man Charged with Selling Fake Native American Jewelry
The man is accused of faking his Native American ancestry to sell jewelry at art shows across Wisconsin.
A Florida man faces federal fraud charges for falsely claiming to be a member of the “Pueblo Nation of New Mexico” in order to sell jewelry as Native American-made at art shows across Wisconsin.
Madison, Wis.—A Florida man has been indicted for allegedly selling fake Native American jewelry in Wisconsin.
Jose Farinango Muenala, 45, of Casselberry, Florida, has been charged with wire fraud, mail fraud, and misrepresenting "Indian-produced goods," according to a press release from the office of Timothy M. O’Shea, a federal prosecutor in the Western District of Wisconsin.
The indictment alleges that between Dec. 3, 2015, and Jan. 17, 2024, Farinango Muenala applied to art shows across the United States to sell jewelry.
In those applications, he falsely claimed to be Native American and then repeated that claim to art show attendees, telling them he made the jewelry he was selling, the indictment alleges.
The charges of mail and wire fraud are connected to emails, letters, and checks sent to the Mercer Chamber of Commerce in Wisconsin to aid in his alleged scheme.
The indictment was returned by a federal grand jury in Madison, Wisconsin, on June 26.
“Prosecuting these types of fraud cases is part of our important work to support Tribal Nations,” said O’Shea. “The indictment announced today is not only about enforcing the law, but also about protecting and preserving the cultural heritage of Native Americans.”
Edward Grace, assistant director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement, said, “Jose Farinango’s false tribal affiliation cheated customers and impacted the economic and cultural livelihood of Native American artists.”
Grace’s team of special agents work on behalf of the Department of the Interior and the Indian Arts and Crafts Board (IACB).
Related stories will be right here …
Jose Farinango Muenala, 45, of Casselberry, Florida, has been charged with wire fraud, mail fraud, and misrepresenting "Indian-produced goods," according to a press release from the office of Timothy M. O’Shea, a federal prosecutor in the Western District of Wisconsin.
The indictment alleges that between Dec. 3, 2015, and Jan. 17, 2024, Farinango Muenala applied to art shows across the United States to sell jewelry.
In those applications, he falsely claimed to be Native American and then repeated that claim to art show attendees, telling them he made the jewelry he was selling, the indictment alleges.
The charges of mail and wire fraud are connected to emails, letters, and checks sent to the Mercer Chamber of Commerce in Wisconsin to aid in his alleged scheme.
The indictment was returned by a federal grand jury in Madison, Wisconsin, on June 26.
“Prosecuting these types of fraud cases is part of our important work to support Tribal Nations,” said O’Shea. “The indictment announced today is not only about enforcing the law, but also about protecting and preserving the cultural heritage of Native Americans.”
Edward Grace, assistant director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement, said, “Jose Farinango’s false tribal affiliation cheated customers and impacted the economic and cultural livelihood of Native American artists.”
Grace’s team of special agents work on behalf of the Department of the Interior and the Indian Arts and Crafts Board (IACB).
The IACB is responsible for administering and enforcing the Indian Arts and Crafts Act, which is a truth-in-marketing law.
The act is meant to protect the economic livelihoods and cultural heritage of Native American artists, craftspeople, and their tribes, explained IACB Director Meridith Stanton, as well as to protect consumers who buy these goods.
“Authentic Indian art and craftwork is an important tool for passing down cultural traditions, traditional knowledge, and artistic skills from one generation to the next.
“Those who market fake Indian art and craftwork, such as under Jose Farinango’s guise of from ‘the Pueblo Nation of New Mexico,’ tear at the very fabric of Indian culture and livelihoods and prey upon unwitting consumers, and therefore must be held accountable,” she said.
The charges against Farinango Muenala followed an investigation by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the IACB.
A federal grand jury in Madison, Wisconsin, returned the indictment on June 26.
If convicted, Farinango Muenala faces up to 20 years in prison on the wire and mail fraud charges.
There is a maximum penalty of five years in prison on the misrepresentation of "Indian-produced" goods charge.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Crime
The Latest
EditorsJul 16, 2026
Q&A: Guzema’s Co-Owners On Its US Expansion, 10-Year AnniversaryValeriya Guzema and Mariana Lenha look back on the last decade and discuss the Ukrainian brand’s first U.S. store.
SourcingJul 16, 2026
Ekati to Close, Leaving Canada With One Diamond Mine The diamond mine, which opened nearly 30 years ago in Canada’s Northwest Territories, is expected to shut down by mid-August.
FinancialsJul 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Soar for the Seventh Quarter in a RowJewelry sales for the company, which owns Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Vhernier, and Buccellati, rose 21 percent in the first quarter.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
Events & AwardsJul 16, 2026
MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program Certifies First Advanced Apprentice GraduateThe graduate, Grace Barden, credited the program with helping her secure a job as a bench jeweler.
Weekly QuizJul 09, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsJul 16, 2026
Jewelers of Louisiana to Host 80th ConventionThe event, scheduled for next month in New Orleans, will include dinner, a custom jewelry design contest, and education sessions.
SourcingJul 15, 2026
1,305-Carat Diamond Recovered from Mine in BotswanaThe yet-to-be named stone is the 10th diamond weighing more than 1,000 carats to come out of Lucara’s Karowe mine.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
IndependentsJul 15, 2026
New Jersey Jeweler Barry Berman Dies at 81The founder of Fords Jewelers, Berman is remembered for his love of connecting with his community.
FinancialsJul 15, 2026
Watches of Switzerland’s US Sales Jump 18%, Declines to Comment on Sale Report The watch and jewelry retailer had a strong fiscal year despite what its CEO described as a “complex operating backdrop.”
Events & AwardsJul 15, 2026
Hamptons Jewelry Show to Return in JulyThe open-to-the-public luxury jewelry and timepiece show, in its second year, is slated for July 23-26.
CollectionsJul 15, 2026
Pomellato’s New High Jewelry Is LiberatingBold color, expressive gem-setting, and sculptural form define the three chapters that make up “Stile Libero.”
IndependentsJul 14, 2026
Foundrae Opens First Standalone Store Outside USThe New York-based jewelry brand has expanded overseas, opening a store in London’s Mayfair district.
ColumnistsJul 14, 2026
Sherry Smith: What Today’s Jewelry Consumer Is Telling Us Rising revenue does not automatically mean a healthy business, particularly in the current economic landscape, Smith writes.
TrendsJul 14, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Shoulder Dusters These long, fluid drop earrings are sure to catch the eye.
Events & AwardsJul 14, 2026
Conference on Mining, Sustainability Kicks Off in NYCInitiatives in Art and Culture is hosting its 16th annual Gold and Diamond Conference, with the theme of “Resilience.”
Lab-GrownJul 13, 2026
Stephanie Gottlieb Changes Her Mind on Lab-Grown DiamondsThe designer, who once said she’d never sell lab-grown diamonds, debuted two capsule collections designed to be fun and easy to wear.
SourcingJul 13, 2026
De Beers Announces Potential Layoffs, 2-Year Production Pause at VenetiaThe diamond miner and marketer is undergoing another round of cost-cutting measures ahead of its sale by Anglo American.
Events & AwardsJul 13, 2026
Registration Opens for JIS Fall 2026 ShowThe annual trade-only buying event is slated for Oct. 16-19 in Miami Beach, Florida.
Events & AwardsJul 13, 2026
AGTA Accepting Entries for Spectrum 2026AGTA also has announced the lineup of judges for the colored gemstone cutting and jewelry design contest’s various categories.
TechnologyJul 10, 2026
There’s a New Blind Box for Luxury Watches Collectibles platform Arena Club’s new Time Boxes could contain a Rolex or Patek Philippe watch.
TrendsJul 10, 2026
Jade Trau Creates a Constellation of DiamondsThe “Constellation Plié” collar, our Piece of the Week, features diamonds arranged in a constellation of shining stars.
SourcingJul 10, 2026
CFO of De Beers’ Consumer-Facing Division Leaves Company Shaun Wills joined the company in 2024 and was chief financial officer of the De Beers Brands and Consumer Markets division.
WatchesJul 10, 2026
Brilliant Earth Expands Into WatchesIn honor of its 20th anniversary, the jewelry brand has released a limited-edition collection of Swiss-made timepieces.
CollectionsJul 09, 2026
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Collection Is an Ode to the Human Touch“Human Being” highlights the similarities and differences between us through five sets of jewelry that celebrate fine craftsmanship.
WatchesJul 09, 2026
Damiani Group Finalizes Acquisition of Baume & MercierRichemont will continue to provide operational services for the watch brand for a period while the group prepares to integrate it.
AuctionsJul 09, 2026
Pharrell Williams’ Joopiter Hires Former Bonhams Exec to Head New Watch DivisionNate Borgelt will lead the digital auction house and content platform’s new division as head of watches.
