Story perspectives

Counterfeit Memorabilia Scheme Unveiled: $780K in Losses

2/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

Donald Henkel and Mark Henkel pleaded guilty to federal charges in a 15-year counterfeit memorabilia scheme.
The scheme included items falsely attributed to Babe Ruth, causing $780,000 in losses.
Brett Lemieux, who allegedly sold counterfeit memorabilia, died by suicide amid an ongoing investigation.
The collectibles industry faces challenges as fraudsters adapt to new authentication methods, while authorities examine millions in sales and authentication firms implement tamper-proof holograms and advanced verification.

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Story summary

Donald Henkel and Mark Henkel pleaded guilty to federal charges in a 15-year counterfeit memorabilia scheme.
The scheme included items falsely attributed to Babe Ruth, causing $780,000 in losses.
Brett Lemieux, who allegedly sold counterfeit memorabilia, died by suicide amid an ongoing investigation.
The collectibles industry faces challenges as fraudsters adapt to new authentication methods, while authorities examine millions in sales and authentication firms implement tamper-proof holograms and advanced verification.