One of the lead investigations conducted last year involved “original” memorabilia offered for sale with certificates of authenticity from “Global Antiques”, signed by Greg Jones. Pieces were sold on eBay via “Auction Depot LA” and “Auction Shop USA”. These accounts were suspended by eBay, and one of the collectors who purchased a number of items from these companies/individuals filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court. Today, I am happy to report that she prevailed in her quest to secure an $18,000 settlement and deferred judgment against Greg Jones of “Global Antiques” and Adam Ward of “Auction Depot LA”.
Auction Depot LA and Auction Shop USA were found to have been selling ordinary vintage and modern day items as “authentic” pieces used in classic film and television and/or owned by Hollywood celebrities and/or other famous public figures, with COAs from “authenticator” Greg Jones operating as “Global Antiques”.
Full details in past articles about the case as it happened last year can be found by accessing the below:
These events were subsequently covered in the mainstream media by the Los Angeles Times, Antique Week, and other media outlets.
Collector Debbie Nickerson has in the past provided updates to the Original Prop Blog (see …Customer Comments) as to her experience in pursuing criminal and civil charges against the individuals participating in these activities.
As Deb noted in one of her updates (see “Global Antiques” Update from Deb), one of the two eBay sellers that she bought the “Global Antiques” items from – Auction Shop USA – reimbursed her in full at the time of the initial investigation:
Auction Shop USA is in great standing with me now. They have reimbursed me for everything I was out. PLUS, and more important, they have been 100% cooperative with my investigation into the fraudulent acts of Auction Depot LA and Global Antiques. It is my opinion that Adam Ward of Auction Depot LA and Greg Jones of the ficticious “Global Antiques” were in collaboration in regard to the fraudulent props. Auction Shop USA discontinued ALL selling of the props when they were first contacted by the police and have never sold another item since. They have cooperated with law enforcement in this matter and been cooperative and understanding with the victims. This cannot be said of Adam Ward who continued to sell the props to the point of opening new ebay accounts to sell them.
Conversely, “Auction Depot LA’s” Adam Ward had instead created a second selling account, “Historic Souvenirs”, which was ultimately shut down along with “Auction Depot LA” and “Auction Shop USA” before it had any opportunity to sell any additional merchandise.
Below are comparison photos of the “Auction Depot LA” storefront circa June 2008 (when suspended from eBay) and August 2008:
I have remained in contact with Deb since all of this had transpired last year, and have her permission to provide this update to readers.
Los Angeles Superior Court – Stipulation for Settlement and Deferred Entry of Judgment
Debbie Nickerson filed a lawsuit against Adam Ward (“Auction Shop USA”) and Greg Jones (“Global Antiques”) in September 2008. Her allegations included fraud, negligent misrepresentation, rescission of contract, and unfair business practices.
A settlement was reached in March 2009 in which the Defendants agreed to pay Ms. Nickerson $18,000.00 – one lump sum payment of $10,000.00 and $8,000.00 to be paid in monthly installments over two years. This figure was determined based on her loss on money spent on “memorabilia” ($13,000) plus her legal/attorney costs.
In the event a monthly installment payment is missed or late, the Defendants will be found in default of the settlement agreement and a higher judgment will be entered against them (Deb calculates that the current judgment amount would today be approximately $35,000 and growing).
Below is a copy of the actual Stipulation for Settlement and Deferred Entry of Judgment signed by the judge and all parties, and filed with the Los Angeles Superior Court (Click for PDF):
I will continue to publish any additional updates in the future.
I know that it is important to Deb for collectors to know that if you are diligent in pursuing consequences for these kinds of activities as a matter of principal, you can prevail.
As always, if anyone has concerns of having been sold fraudulent entertainment memorabilia and needs assistance, please contact me.
Jason De Bord