A Washington man, Cameron Losi, has been sentenced for his involvement in a scheme misrepresenting art produced in the Philippines as genuine Alaska Native art, a violation of the Indian Arts and Crafts Act. Losi, who previously went by the name "Cameron Lawrence," was involved in a collaboration with Alaska Stone Arts LLC and Rail Creek LLC in Ketchikan, Alaska, to market stone carvings and wood totem poles as authentic Native artifacts.
Court documents state that between July and August 2021, Losi conspired with store owners Cristobal Rodrigo, Glenda Rodrigo, and their son Christian Rodrigo, from Washington, to sell these Filipino-produced items as local Native art. These carvings were produced at Rodrigo Creative Crafts in the Philippines.
In the scheme, Losi, a salesperson for Alaska Stone Arts LLC, claimed he solely crafted the stone carvings, misleading customers about the origins of the artwork. His actions, along with the Rodrigos' and others', generated over one million dollars in illegal profits by falsely representing these items as made by Alaska Native artisans or members of an American Indian tribe.
At his sentencing, Losi received five years' probation, 250 hours of community service, an obligation to pay over $12,200 in restitution, and a requirement to draft an apology letter to victims and the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes. "This sentencing marks a crucial step toward justice," stated U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman. Meridith Stanton, Director of the Indian Arts and Crafts Board, expressed concern over how these actions undermined the economy and hard work of genuine artists.
Doug Ault from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service underscored the betrayal represented by Losi's and the Rodrigos' actions. Co-conspirators, including Cristobal, Glenda, and Christian Rodrigo, as well as employees Travis Macasaet, Simeon Cabansag, and Jessie Reginio, were also sentenced, with terms ranging from home confinement to probation and community service.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service with contributions from various agencies, and the case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Schmidt. The public is reminded to report any potential violations of the Indian Arts and Crafts Act to the Indian Arts and Crafts Board.