The Latest: 2nd defendant pleads guilty to Indian-art fraud

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A second defendant has pleaded guilty in federal court to the sale of fake Native American jewelry that was manufactured in the Philippines. The U.S. Attorney's Office in Albuquerque confirmed Wednesday that art gallery owner Nael Ali has pleaded guilty to misrepresenting Indian-produced goods in violation of the Indian Arts and Craft Act. Ali was accused of selling fake Indian art at two galleries in the Old Town neighborhood of Albuquerque. He acknowledged attributing jewelry to specific Navajo and Zuni Pueblo craftsman when it was actually made in the Philippines. Two criminal convictions have been made in a sweeping international investigation into bogus Indian art sales at several galleries across the United States. Ongoing investigations spearheaded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have laid bare the breadth and sophistication of distribution networks for fake Indian-style art and crafts.