Miami Art Gallery Owner Sentenced for Fraud

Leslie Roberts received a 46-month prison sentence for a wire fraud scheme involving fake Andy Warhol pieces.

Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Financial Crime

Miami Art Gallery Owner Sentenced for Fraud

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A federal judge sentenced Leslie Roberts to 46 months in prison after she pleaded guilty to wire fraud conspiracy. Roberts operated the Miami Fine Art Gallery in Coconut Grove, where she sold fraudulent artwork.

Why it matters

The sentencing concludes a federal investigation into a sophisticated art fraud scheme. Roberts misled victims by using forged authentication documents and fake stamps to pass off items as original Andy Warhol pieces.

Leslie Roberts received a 46-month prison sentence and three years of supervised release. She was also ordered to a facility capable of addressing her medical needs.

The players

Leslie Roberts

She is the former operator of the Miami Fine Art Gallery who pleaded guilty to orchestrating a wire fraud conspiracy.

Federal Bureau of Investigation

This is the primary federal law enforcement agency that investigated the gallery and executed the raid in 2025.

Andy Warhol Foundation

This is the non-profit organization whose name and branding were fraudulently used by the defendant on fake invoices.

The details

Roberts funneled over $240,000 in fraud proceeds into a personal bank account after receiving more than 100 wire payments from victims. She utilized fake invoices attributed to the Andy Warhol Foundation to bolster the legitimacy of the fraudulent art sales.

From April 2023 to May 2024, Roberts received wire payments from victims.
The FBI conducted a raid on the Miami Fine Art Gallery in 2025.
On October 2, 2026, a federal judge sentenced Roberts to prison.

Legal Context

The case mirrors long-standing federal efforts to curb art market fraud, which has seen increased scrutiny following the Knoedler Gallery forgery scandal. Authorities continue to prioritize the prosecution of galleries using forged authentication to protect the integrity of the secondary art market.

Local art collectors should verify the provenance of any high-value acquisitions made through smaller private galleries. Those who purchased items from the Miami Fine Art Gallery during the fraud period may be contacted by federal authorities regarding restitution.

The takeaway

Art buyers should exercise extreme caution when purchasing works that lack direct documentation from established estates or foundations. Always request independent appraisals or verifiable chains of custody before completing high-dollar transactions.