This case involves the sentencing of David Voss for his significant role in a large-scale art fraud scheme involving forged paintings attributed to the renowned Indigenous artist Norval Morrisseau.
The court emphasized the profound and far-reaching damage caused by the fraud, extending beyond financial losses to the cultural and spiritual identity of Indigenous art and artists.
Voss was sentenced to five years in a penitentiary for two charges of fraud.
Other charges against Voss and all charges against co-accused Diane Champagne were withdrawn.
The court declined to order restitution due to the immense complexity of identifying all victims and quantifying losses, deeming it unmanageable and detrimental to the administration of justice.
A forfeiture order was made for the identified forged artwork.
