Seventh-Inning Stretch · Off the Bench
The Say-Hey Fakes
United States v. Damato (2026)
Charge: Wire fraud - memorabilia dealer accused of doctoring items and inventing their history to sell them as genuineCourt: U.S. District Court for the Northern District of CaliforniaDocket: Off the Bench
Did a memorabilia dealer commit wire fraud by selling doctored items with invented histories as a legend's genuine gear?
The facts
Between 2022 and 2024 a Bay Area sports memorabilia dealer sold high-priced collectibles tied to a legendary Hall of Fame center fielder. One buyer paid $100,000 for a bat sold as the star's own 1954 World Series bat; it was actually a factory-error bat an inch shorter than the ones he used, and the buyer never received it. Another paid $50,000 for a jersey sold as game-worn. A third buyer lost more than $900,000 on other items. After the FBI searched his home, he contacted at least one potential witness.
You have the facts the court had. Guilty or not guilty? Call it in the game with your friends, then see what the court actually decided. Wrong call, you drink.
Citation: United States v. Damato, No. 25-cr-0344-AMO (N.D. Cal.); guilty plea Dec. 8, 2025; sentenced June 2026
Read more at contracosta.news. The source reveals the outcome.