FBI Seizes Counterfeit Jasper Johns Sculpture
- April 08, 2013 02:52
The FBI arrested Brian Ramnarine, 58, on charges he created a purported Jasper Johns Bronze Flag sculpture and attempted to sell it for $11 million. In 1990, Jasper Johns had provided Mr. Ramnarine with a mold so that he could create a wax cast, which he completed for the Artist.
Although Mr. Ramnarine claimed the wax mold was destroyed, he allegedly created a 1989 Bronze Flag resembling a Jasper Johns Flag Work and also "forged the artist's signature on the sculpture", prosecutors said.
The FBI began an investigation in 2010 when "Ramnarine tried to sell the bronze piece to a wealthy art collector, claiming it was a real Jasper Johns", according to prosecutors.
Mr. Ramnarine, pleaded not guilty to a wire fraud charge in Manhattan Federal Court and was released on $250,000 bond. Mr. Ramnarine was sentenced to five years probation for a similar scam 10 years ago after he pleaded guilty to falsifying business records and was ordered to pay $100,000 in restitution.
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