Man avoid jail time in fake Indian arts case

Tuesday, December 11, 2007  

A New Mexico man avoided jail time for defrauding a customer into buying a fake Navajo bracelet.

Amrio Al-Assi of Gallup sold the bracelet to a Massachusetts woman for $600. He told the woman it was made by famed silversmith Preston Monongye, whose works normally go for $20,000 and higher.

A jury convicted Al-Assi of fraud, a fourth-degree felony. But the district attorney reached a plea agreement in hopes of saving money on the case.

Judge Robert Aragon wasn't happy with the arrangement, The Gallup Independent reported. He ordered a deferred sentence and ordered Al-Assi to pay restitution of $600 and a $1,000 fine.

Officials from the federal Indian Arts and Crafts Board said fake sales are rampant in Arizona and New Mexico.

Get the Story:
Man who sold bogus bracelet avoids jail (The Gallup Independent 12/10)

$rl Indian Arts and Crafts Board - http://www.doi.gov/iacb