Nearly two years after they were charged with scheming to sell fake sports memorabilia and art, a trial date has been set for two Michigan brothers and another man from Florida. Donald “D.B.” Henkel, 63, and Mark Henkel 67, are facing federal fraud charges in what prosecutors say was a 15-year scheme to create and sell high-end memorabilia and artwork that wasn’t what it was … [Read more...] about Long Running Art, Sports Memorabilia Fraud Case Moving, but Slowly
Donald Henkel
“Master Forger” and Brother in Plea Talks with Feds on Long Running Fake Memorabilia Scheme
Attorneys for two brothers from Michigan facing federal charges over massive art and sports memorabilia fraud are discussing plea deals with federal prosecutors. According to a joint status report filed this week in U.S. District Court, plea negotiations are ongoing between the government and Mark Henkel while a draft plea agreement has been sent to Donald Henkel for … [Read more...] about “Master Forger” and Brother in Plea Talks with Feds on Long Running Fake Memorabilia Scheme
Jordan Jersey Authentication Frozen After Questions Arise About Photo Authenticity
There have been some strange tales in the world of sports cards and memorabilia over the years. Honus Wagner cards stolen out of restaurants. Scammers dirtying up jerseys to make them look game used. A fraudster who conned banks and ordinary folks out of millions of dollars. An auctioneer earning more prison time for tipping off that same fraudster that the FBI was … [Read more...] about Jordan Jersey Authentication Frozen After Questions Arise About Photo Authenticity
Feds Charge 3 in Art, Sports Memorabilia Forgery Ring
Federal charges have been filed against two Michigan brothers and a man from Florida in connection with a large art and sports memorabilia fraud scheme. A 34-page indictment in U.S. District court unsealed Thursday, says Donald Henkel created and sold a wide variety of phony items including autographed baseballs and game model bats. Prosecutors say Henkel and his … [Read more...] about Feds Charge 3 in Art, Sports Memorabilia Forgery Ring
National Convention Closes: FBI Presence; Ruth Rookie Consigned; Big Soccer Break
The National Sports Collectors Convention closed Sunday afternoon after its five-day run at the Stephens Convention Center. Next year's event is slated for the Atlantic City Convention Center July 27-31. A few notes: FBI Special Agent Brian Brusokas was once again in the building during part of the show. Over the years, most of the major … [Read more...] about National Convention Closes: FBI Presence; Ruth Rookie Consigned; Big Soccer Break
FBI Raid in Michigan Said to Target Phony Art, Sports Memorabilia
The headline in a Detroit newspaper reads "alleged upscale art forgery" but a federal investigation into fancy paintings also includes a troubling discovery for collectors of sports memorabilia. On Tuesday, a team of more than 30 FBI agents raided the property of a Michigan man suspected of creating and selling phony artwork and sports-related items over a period of several … [Read more...] about FBI Raid in Michigan Said to Target Phony Art, Sports Memorabilia