Renton man arrested for allegedly selling fake Dale Chihuly art

RENTON, Wash. — A 35-year-old Renton man was arrested Thursday for allegedly selling counterfeit Dale Chihuly glass sculptures on eBay, said the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

According to documents, in 2011 and 2012, Michael Little sold pieces of glass art and paintings that were the work of Chihuly, which also had a signature that appeared to be Chihuly’s.

Little also provided paperwork that said the pieces of art was the work of Chihuly.

According to the Attorney’s Office, an expert in Chihuly’s work looked at the pieces at the request of the purchaser and determined they were fraudulent. The paperwork that went along with the pieces was also allegedly forged.

Little will make his first court appearance Thursday afternoon.

Little is charged with trafficking in counterfeit goods and faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 if convicted.

KIRO