Former California Man Pleads Guilty to Selling Fake Celebrity Memorabilia Worth Hundreds of Thousands

In a major bust, Anthony J. Tremayne, a 58-year-old former resident of West Covina, California, has pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud for selling counterfeit celebrity memorabilia, including forged signatures of high-profile figures such as the Kardashians and former President Donald Trump. Tremayne, who now resides in Rosarito, Mexico, was implicated in peddling the fake merchandise from 2010 to 2019, amassing between $250,000 and $550,000 in illicit earnings, according to federal prosecutors in Southern California.

The Fraudulent Endeavor Unveiled

Tremayne's fraudulent activities involved selling memorabilia purportedly bearing the genuine signatures of celebrities, including athletes, musicians, actors, and other notable figures. He marketed these counterfeit items nationwide, deceiving countless individuals in the process. Federal prosecutors revealed the extent of Tremayne's deception, stating, "Tremayne was in the business of selling memorabilia containing purportedly genuine signatures of famous athletes, musicians, actors, and other celebrities. Tremayne advertised nationwide the memorabilia with purportedly genuine signatures."

Despite the gravity of his actions, Tremayne reportedly downplayed the significance of his business when confronted by FBI agents in 2014. According to a 2019 grand jury indictment, he expressed disbelief that federal authorities would target him, questioning, "Why me? This is not a big deal. It seems like the FBI would have better things to do."

Undercover Sting Operation

The investigation into Tremayne's fraudulent activities culminated in an undercover sting operation, during which an FBI agent purchased a counterfeit photograph from the reality show "Keeping Up with the Kardashians," featuring forged signatures of three of the show's personalities. Additionally, Tremayne attempted to sell a photograph of the current president in December 2019, during the latter part of Donald Trump's third year in office.

As a result of his guilty plea, Tremayne is scheduled to be sentenced on August 11, facing a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. This case serves as a stark reminder of the lengths to which individuals will go to exploit the fame of others for personal gain, highlighting the importance of vigilance in the realm of celebrity memorabilia.