A Michigan-based photography dealer has been arrested for orchestrating a scheme to defraud elderly collectors out of an estimated $1.6 million.
At least five individuals—all unnamed—claimed to have been bilked by Beard in an affidavit filed with the court, and law enforcement officials suggest there are likely more that have yet to come forward. Last week, the FBI’s Detroit office put out aBeard did not immediately respond to a request for comment submitted through her lawyer.
The owner made multiple attempts to get the Adams print and other consigned photographs back, but Beard replied with excuses, claiming that she was suffering from pulmonary issues, had been unconscious at various times, and was placed on a lung transplant waiting list. The FBI found that the email accounts of Julie, Katy, and others had all been registered to Beard’s personal cell phone number. No payroll information existed for these supposed employees.
A Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist in his late 60s also consigned pictures through the gallery in 2020. He hasn’t seen them since, nor has he been paid for his work.