A California Woman Faces Federal Sentencing for Selling Fake Native American Jewelry
In a significant federal court decision, a California woman has been sentenced after confessing to selling counterfeit Native American jewelry. The fraudulent pieces, which she falsely advertised as genuine tribal artworks, brought in over $92,000.
Molly Breivis, the individual at the center of this case, operated an eBay store from 2020 to 2024, where she sold jewelry imported from Asia. She misleadingly marketed these items as authentic creations by artists from Apache, Laguna, Navajo, and Zuni tribes, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona.
Meridith Stanton, Director of the Indian Arts and Crafts Board, commented on the case, stating, “Breivis undercut the livelihoods and traditions of these tribes and the integrity of their artists’ creative work and defrauded vulnerable customers.”
Despite receiving two warning letters from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, acting through the Indian Arts and Crafts Board, Breivis continued her illegal sales. These letters highlighted her violations of the Indian Arts and Crafts Act, but she chose to ignore them.
Following her guilty plea to the misrepresentation of Indian-produced goods, a federal judge sentenced Breivis to time served. Additionally, she must pay a $10,000 fine and issue a public apology letter on the Indian Arts and Crafts Board website.
In her apology, Breivis recognized the damage caused by her actions, which not only misled customers but also negatively impacted Native American artists and businesses that depend on the sale of authentic cultural works. Her actions also threatened the trust in the marketplace for genuine Native American jewelry.
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