Connecticut Man Sentenced for Selling 145 Counterfeit Peter Max Paintings

Nicholas P. Hatch, a Connecticut resident, received a 14-month federal prison sentence for selling 145 fraudulent paintings attributed to pop artist Peter Max. The US District Court in Connecticut also mandated restitution of $248,000 to 43 online buyers. Hatch's scheme involved selling the counterfeit works for prices ranging from $1,325 to $2,833, sometimes accompanied by forged authenticity certificates. An FBI investigation began in 2021 following a tip from an employee at Hatch Estate Services. His prison term commences on 17 June and will be followed by three years of supervised release. Peter Max, an American pop artist famous for his psychedelic style, typically sees his authentic paintings sell for between $10,000 and $20,000.