Feds: 3 arrested for selling fake American Indian jewelry

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) – Federal authorities have announced three New Mexico residents have been indicted in a scam to sell Filipino-made jewelry as American Indian made.

U.S. Attorney Damon Martinez said Thursday the three individuals were recently arrested following a long investigation and a raid of jewelry stores in Albuquerque, Gallup, New Mexico, and Calistoga, California.

According to the indictment unsealed Thursday, 51-year-old Nael Ali, 53-year-old Mohammad Abed Manasra, and 41-year-old Christina Bowen are facing charges of violating the federal Indian Arts and Crafts Act.

Court documents say Ali owned two jewelry stores in Albuquerque’s Old Town.

If convicted, all three face up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine each.

It was unclear if any had attorneys.

Martinez says Filipino authorities also conducted interviews at two factories in the Philippines.