California Man Sentenced After Willie Mays Memorabilia Fraud Case
A Northern California man has been sentenced to 21 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud in a case involving bogus sports memorabilia that was falsely represented as having been used by Hall of Famer Willie Mays.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California, Daniel Damato, 42, of Concord, pleaded guilty on Dec. 8, 2025, to one count of wire fraud. Prosecutors said he also admitted to trying to obstruct the FBI’s investigation by contacting at least one potential witness in an effort to interfere with the government’s probe.
U.S. District Judge Araceli Martínez-Olguín also imposed a three-year term of supervised release and ordered Damato to pay $1,068,940 in restitution. Damato had already been remanded into custody and will begin serving the sentence immediately.
What Prosecutors Said Damato Sold
Federal prosecutors alleged that between 2022 and 2024, Damato doctored items and supplied false provenance to make them appear to be authentic sports collectibles. Damato reportedly told authorities that he sold tickets and memorabilia for a living.
One of the central allegations involved a baseball bat Damato sold in 2023. He admitted that he falsely claimed the bat had been used by Mays during the 1954 World Series.
The complaint said the bat had been authenticated as game-used, but it was actually an inch shorter than the bats used by the Hall of Fame center fielder. Prosecutors said Damato sold the bat for $100,000.
Damato also admitted to selling another fake item, a jersey he claimed had been worn in a game by Mays. That transaction brought in $50,000, according to the case details.
Federal Investigation and Sentencing Details
The case centered on allegations that Damato created false stories around memorabilia tied to one of baseball’s most iconic figures. Willie Mays, a Hall of Famer and one of the most celebrated players in the sport’s history, remains a major draw in the sports memorabilia market, which can make provenance especially important when items are offered to collectors.
In this case, prosecutors said Damato’s conduct went beyond selling questionable items. He also admitted to attempting to obstruct the FBI’s investigation, including reaching out to a witness during the probe.
The sentence includes both prison time and financial penalties. Along with the 21-month term, Damato must serve three years of supervised release and pay restitution totaling more than $1 million.
Why Provenance Matters in Sports Memorabilia
Cases like this underscore how much value in the memorabilia market depends on documentation, authentication, and chain of custody. Collectors often rely on provenance to determine whether an item is genuinely tied to a player, a game, or a specific moment in sports history.
When that information is fabricated, the result can be significant financial loss for buyers and a broader hit to trust in the hobby. Items linked to Willie Mays, especially from milestone moments such as the 1954 World Series, can command major interest, which is why false claims around game use can be so damaging.
Federal prosecutors said the investigation remains a reminder that memorabilia fraud can carry serious criminal consequences, especially when it involves deliberate misrepresentation and efforts to interfere with law enforcement.
Source: via CBS (www.cbsnews.com)
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