S. Lane Tucker, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney's Office District of Alaska
A Washington man, involved in a scheme to misrepresent Philippine-made artwork as authentic Alaska Native creations, has been sentenced as part of a long-running case violating the Indian Arts and Crafts Act. Cameron Losi, also known as “Cameron Lawrence”, received a five-year probation and was ordered to perform 250 hours of community service. Losi is required to pay over $12,200 in restitution and write an apology to the victims and the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes.
Losi, formerly a salesperson for Alaska Stone Arts LLC, conspired with the Rodrigo family, who owned the Ketchikan-based stores Alaska Stone Arts LLC and Rail Creek LLC. The family falsely marketed products made in the Philippines as genuine Alaska Native art. The stores sold stone carvings and wood totem poles sourced from Rodrigo Creative Crafts, located in the Philippines and owned by Glenda Rodrigo.
Court documents highlighted that between April 2016 and December 2021, the family engaged in this fraudulent activity alongside their employees, including Losi, to sell and misrepresent these artworks. The Rodrigos employed Alaska Natives and others to aid in the deceptive practices, affecting both consumers and genuine Alaska Native artists.
U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman of the District of Alaska noted, “This sentencing marks a crucial step toward justice, finally holding accountable all defendants responsible for this betrayal of Alaska Native artisans.” He emphasized the collaboration with the Indian Arts and Crafts Board and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as crucial in securing justice for those deceived by the fraudulent scheme.
Meridith Stanton of the Indian Arts and Crafts Board stated, “Counterfeit Alaska Native art... are an affront to Alaska Native culture.” She stressed the importance of the Indian Arts and Crafts Act in protecting both artists and consumers, as well as the diligence required in enforcing the law.
Doug Ault from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service stressed that Losi misused his American Indian heritage to facilitate the sales of Philippine-made artworks. The investigation culminated in various sentences for Losi's co-conspirators, including Cristobal Rodrigo and his family members, who were also sentenced to either prison time or community service.
The investigation, conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and supported by other federal agencies, was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Schmidt. For those suspecting violations of the Indian Arts and Crafts Act, complaints can be submitted through various channels provided by the Indian Arts and Crafts Board.
