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
Policies & IssuesSep 17, 2026
Tariffs on India Could Increase as Russian Sanctions Bill Heads to Trump’s DeskThe bill has a provision that allows the president to raise tariffs on countries that import Russian oil and gas to as much as 100 percent.
Events & AwardsSep 17, 2026
This Is the Winner of the 2026 Robert M. Shipley AwardThe American Gem Society presented the annual award to a former president of its board.
CollectionsSep 17, 2026
Cynthia Erivo, Zoë Chicco’s Jewelry Collab Is an Ode to TransformationThe “Chrysalis” capsule centers butterfly motifs representing growth, transformation, and the unfolding of who you are.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionExperience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.
Events & AwardsSep 17, 2026
Louisiana Retailer Kevin Patton Wins Lifetime Achievement AwardJewelers of Louisiana presented Patton, the third-generation president of Pattons Fine Jewelry, with the award at its annual convention.
Weekly QuizSep 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
PodcastsSep 16, 2026
Episode 9: Remembering Cindy EdelsteinTwo special guests join the podcast to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the designer advocate, mentor, and author’s untimely passing.
CollectionsSep 16, 2026
Jessica McCormack, L’Objet Collab on Homewares CollectionMcCormack brings sea-inspired motifs from her “Beaches” collection to L’Objet’s tableware, vanity pieces, and first-ever cutlery set.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
IndependentsSep 16, 2026
Bromberg & Co. Names New PresidentMarlin “Brian” Hood, who has been with the store for 20 years, will succeed Ricky Bromberg, who died earlier this month.
MajorsSep 16, 2026
Midas Chain Releases ‘House of Midas’ Bridal CatalogThe new bridal catalog features the latest jewelry collections and designs from timeless classics to modern silhouettes.
EditorsSep 15, 2026
2026 Emmys Jewelry: An Either/Or Proposition Stars wore either a necklace or earrings at 78th Primetime Emmy Awards but rarely both, Natalie Francisco notes.
ColumnistsSep 15, 2026
The Levels Your Website Must Clear Before AI Recommends YouJennifer Shaheen compares this new era of AI-powered SEO to a video game: your website must clear one level before advancing to the next.
IndependentsSep 15, 2026
Armadani Launches Retail Support Program for Holiday SeasonThe program highlights “Made in Italy” fine jewelry with digital merchandising, sales education, and local marketing support.
EditorsSep 15, 2026
Q&A: Signet Jewelers’ Joan Hilson on Diamond Demand, the HolidaysHilson, Signet’s chief operating and financial officer, discussed Q2, resurgent natural diamond demand, and why Blue Nile is a standout.
ColumnistsSep 14, 2026
Sherry Smith: Stop Waiting for December to Save Your ChristmasThe stores that have a great December are the ones that made good decisions in August, September, and October, Sherry Smith writes.
AuctionsSep 14, 2026
22 Carats of ‘Sunshine’ Are Up for AuctionThe 22.09-carat fancy yellow “Pragnell Kimberley Sunshine Diamond” is part of the fall jewelry sale at Heritage Auctions.
IndependentsSep 14, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers to Unveil Photography Exhibition“Adornos: Jewelry, Memory & What We Pass Down” honors the jewelry’s importance to New York City’s Latine communities.
SourcingSep 14, 2026
Gemfields Sells All Lots at First Emerald Auction in 9 MonthsThe company’s managing director of sales said the results demonstrate “continued strong demand for commercial-quality emeralds.”
SourcingSep 14, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Pledges Support for Eye Care ProgramThe nonprofit awarded a grant to the Gift of Sight initiative spearheaded by South African musician Black Coffee.
CollectionsSep 11, 2026
A Sapphire ‘Stardust’ Ring From Greenwich St. Jewelers The Latine-owned New York jeweler is marking two milestones this year: its 50th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
MajorsSep 11, 2026
The Wishing Place by JTV OpensThe jewelry retail broadcast network has sponsored a new space for Make-A-Wish East Tennessee on its campus in Knoxville.
Events & AwardsSep 11, 2026
The Edge Awards Scholarships to 2 Young Jewelry ProfessionalsThe recipients were recognized at the 24 Karat Club of the Southeastern United States’ annual banquet.
MajorsSep 10, 2026
Lagos Founder Steven Lagos Steps Down as CEO Keith Rolfe, CFO and COO of Lagos, is now at the jewelry brand’s helm while Steven takes on the role of executive chairman.
AuctionsSep 10, 2026
Massive Matched Pair of Paraíba Tourmalines Head to Sotheby’sThe “Kat Florence Luminas” will be offered together as one lot and could fetch up to $637,000.
SourcingSep 10, 2026
AGTA Announces 4 Newly Elected DirectorsFour directors were elected to the AGTA board and will serve three-year terms beginning in February.
AuctionsSep 10, 2026
Former Sotheby’s, Christie’s Exec Appointed CEO of Julien’s Auctions Ken Citron joins the celebrity memorabilia-focused auction house ahead of its first week-long series of events in Abu Dhabi.
FinancialsSep 09, 2026
Signet Jewelers to ‘Double Down’ on Blue Nile Amid Strong SalesThe jewelry retailer said it sees opportunity at higher price points, particularly in natural diamonds for bridal and fashion.
