Maryland artist sentenced for violating Indian Arts and Crafts Act

A Maryland artist, Jasmine Battle, was sentenced to 24 months of probation and fined $2,500 for violating the Indian Arts and Crafts Act. Battle misrepresented herself as a Cherokee artist between 2013 and 2020, selling dreamcatchers as authentic Cherokee creations. An investigation by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service revealed she was not enrolled in a federally recognized tribe. Agents also seized feathers from protected birds during a federal search. The case highlights ongoing efforts to protect Native artists from counterfeit claims.