The Fine Art Treasures Gallery ran a DirecTV and Dish Network show, and sold art to more than 10,000 customers around the United States, bringing in more than $20 million. However, on-air auctioneer James Mobley, 63, of Woodland Hills, is going to get a whole lot of time to watch TV shows, since he's been sentenced to 5 years in federal prison for pedaling fake art--forging the signatures of Picasso, Dali, Chagall, and more--and skipping out on his taxes. Mobley's sentencing follows that of the married couple, Gerald Sullivan and Kristine Eubanks of La Cañada Flintridge, who were sentenced earlier this year after pleading guilty to several federal charges. more ›

A situation like this, occurred several times over the past year, according to the LAPD: "In March 2007, a student at California State University Northridge (CSUN) was approached by a suspect who asked the victim to cash a check at his bank. In exchange for his efforts, he would be given several hundred dollars. Unfortunately, the he was unaware the check was forged. Several days later, a hold was placed on his account to cover the bank loss." In many of the cases, victims said handguns were used to intimidate them into taking part in the crimes, which spread to both Valley and Pierce colleges in the past few months. Piecing together clues from the crimes, detectives arrested three suspects in their twenties on Monday, but more are being sought. Police are also still looking for other people who may have been victims of this crime ring. more ›