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
The Latest
CollectionsJan 29, 2026
Ghirardelli’s ‘Chocolocket’ Returns for Valentine’s DayThe chocolatier is bringing back its chocolate-inspired locket, offering sets of two to celebrate “perfect pairs.”
AuctionsJan 29, 2026
These Were Bonhams’ Top 10 Jewelry Lots in 2025The top lot of the year was a 1930s Cartier tiara owned by Nancy, Viscountess Astor, which sold for $1.2 million in London last summer.
SourcingJan 29, 2026
Stuller Website to Mark AGTA-Sourced GemstonesAny gemstones on Stuller.com that were sourced by an AGTA vendor member will now bear the association’s logo.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
WatchesJan 29, 2026
Audemars Piguet Opens AP House in AtlantaThe Swiss watchmaker has brought its latest immersive boutique to Atlanta, a city it described as “an epicenter of music and storytelling.”
Weekly QuizJan 29, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingJan 28, 2026
Ethical Gem Fair to Debut Designer Showcase in TucsonThe new addition will feature finished jewelry created using “consciously sourced” gemstones.
ColumnistsJan 28, 2026
Peter Smith: Setting the Next Generation Up for SuccessIn his new column, Smith advises playing to your successor's strengths and resisting the urge to become a backseat driver.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
SurveysJan 28, 2026
Consumer Confidence Falls Below Pandemic Lows in JanuaryThe index fell to its lowest level since May 2014 amid concerns about the present and the future.
IndependentsJan 28, 2026
Foundrae Heads to Aspen for Latest Store OpeningThe new store in Aspen, Colorado, takes inspiration from a stately library for its intimate yet elevated interior design.
FinancialsJan 28, 2026
Tiffany & Co., Bulgari Sales Resilient as LVMH’s 2025 Sales SlipThe brands’ high jewelry collections performed especially well last year despite a challenging environment.
CollectionsJan 27, 2026
De Beers London, GemFair Debut New Collection Highlighting Artisanal DiamondsThe collection marks the first time GemFair’s artisanal diamonds will be brought directly to consumers.
SourcingJan 27, 2026
GemGuide Launches Pricing for Montana SapphiresThe initial charts are for blue, teal, and green material, each grouped into three charts categorized as good, fine, and extra fine.
TechnologyJan 27, 2026
Clientbook Launches Appointment Booking ToolThe new tool can assign the appropriate associate based on the client or appointment type and automate personalized text message follow-ups.
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Tucson Preview 2026: Earthy Tones and Innovative Shapes Buyers are expected to gravitate toward gemstones that have a little something special, just like last year.
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Angolan Diamond Cos. Join NDC as Rio Tinto, Murowa Exit Endiama and Sodiam will contribute money to the marketing of natural diamonds as new members of the Natural Diamond Council.
MajorsJan 26, 2026
Francesca’s To Close All StoresThe retailer operates more than 450 boutiques across 45 states, according to its website.
MajorsJan 26, 2026
BIJC Names 5 New Board MembersThe new members’ skills span communications, business development, advocacy, and industry leadership.
CollectionsJan 26, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Celebrates 189 Years of Love StoriesThe jeweler’s 2026 Valentine’s Day campaign, “Celebrating Love Stories Since 1837,” includes a short firm starring actress Adria Arjona.
GradingJan 26, 2026
DCA Updates Colored Gemstone CourseThe new features include interactive flashcards and scenario-based roleplay with AI tools.
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Watches of Switzerland Acquires 4-Store Jewelry Chain in TexasFamily-owned jewelry and watch retailer Deutsch & Deutsch has stores in El Paso, Laredo, McAllen, and Victoria.
WatchesJan 23, 2026
Damiani Group to Acquire Baume & MercierThe Italian luxury company purchased the nearly 200-year-old Swiss watch brand from Richemont.
TrendsJan 23, 2026
Martin Katz’s Earrings Call to Mind Wintry Weather Micro-set with hundreds of diamonds, these snowflake earrings recreate “winter’s most elegant silhouette,” and are our Piece of the Week.
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Names New Director of Creative, Brand StrategyElla Blum was appointed to the newly created role.
Supplier BulletinJan 22, 2026
The Rise of Centralized Sourcing in the Colored Gemstone MarketSponsored by RapNet
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Lugano Diamonds Finds a BuyerInvestment firm Enhanced Retail Funding, a division of Gordon Brothers, was the successful bidder.
SourcingJan 22, 2026
De Beers To Release ‘A Diamond Is Forever’ BookIt explores the history of the iconic tagline and the company’s strategy to redefine the role of diamonds in society.
