A long-vacant and deteriorating property in Westlake Village’s First Neighborhood is back in the spotlight—this time due to its owner receiving a federal prison sentence in a high-profile counterfeit Native American jewelry case.
Robert D. Haack, 59, the owner of a neglected home on Watergate Court in Westlake Village, has been sentenced in federal court in New Mexico to 37 months in prison. In addition to incarceration, he must pay $134,400 in restitution after being convicted of forging and selling counterfeit Native American jewelry falsely attributed to renowned Hopi artist Charles Loloma, widely regarded as a pioneer of contemporary Native American jewelry.
Counterfeit Jewelry Scheme Targeted Loloma’s Legacy
According to federal court filings, Haack created dozens of fraudulent jewelry pieces between 2008 and 2015 from his California residence. He allegedly marketed the items online, including through eBay, and through direct sales to buyers across the United States. Prosecutors stated that more than 10 collectors were deceived, with total losses approaching half a million dollars.
Investigators executing a search warrant reportedly discovered jewelry-making equipment, unfinished Loloma-style designs, and practice engravings of forged signatures on scrap metal. Notably, this manufacturing activity occurred at a different California residence—not the abandoned Watergate Court property that has frustrated Westlake Village residents for years.
Haack was ultimately convicted on multiple federal counts, including wire fraud, mail fraud, and violations of the Indian Arts and Crafts Act—a federal law prohibiting the misrepresentation of goods as “Indian-made.”
First Neighborhood Eyesore Raises Fire and Code Concerns
While the criminal case unfolded in New Mexico, Haack’s property at 31944 Watergate Court in Westlake Village remained a growing concern for neighbors and city officials.
Located in the desirable First Neighborhood of Westlake Village, the approximately 1,800-square-foot ranch-style home has sat vacant and visibly deteriorating for years. Residents have voiced repeated complaints to the First Neighborhood Property Owners Association and city officials regarding blight, deferred maintenance, and wildfire risk.
The house reportedly features a wood-shake roof layered with pine needles from surrounding mature trees—a condition that has heightened concerns amid Southern California’s ongoing wildfire threat. One nearby homeowner informally described the structure as resembling a “fire hazard waiting to happen.”
In October, the City of Westlake Village obtained an inspection warrant for the property, and an active code enforcement case remains open. According to the city prosecutor, municipal enforcement efforts date back more than a decade. In earlier years, Haack addressed violations when notified, but more recently ceased responding to city communications.
Federal Investigation and Trial Timeline
Federal authorities began investigating Haack in 2018 after two undercover agents with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service purchased counterfeit Loloma pieces. A federal grand jury later returned an indictment including multiple fraud charges.
In 2021, Haack initially pleaded guilty to three counts under a plea agreement that would have resulted in home confinement. However, he declined to provide required financial documentation to the U.S. Probation Office. As a result, the court rejected the plea deal, and he withdrew his guilty pleas.
When the case moved toward trial, proceedings were delayed after Haack claimed he suffered from a cognitive medical condition affecting his competency. Following a 30-day inpatient evaluation, the court determined he had fabricated the illness and ruled him fit to stand trial.
In June 2024, after a four-day jury trial in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Haack was convicted on two counts each of wire fraud and mail fraud, along with two counts of violating federal Indian arts protections.
Federal officials overseeing Indian arts protections emphasized that counterfeit sales undermine legitimate Native American artists who depend on authentic craftsmanship to sustain their livelihoods and preserve cultural traditions. The sentencing was described as a necessary step to protect both artists and collectors from fraud.
Under federal sentencing guidelines, Haack will serve his prison term without the possibility of parole.
Property Ownership and Local History
Public records indicate Haack became sole owner of the Watergate Court home in 2015 after acquiring full interest from his brother. He also owns another property on Mariner Circle near Westlake Lake.
Historically, the Haack family was associated with Halaco Engineering Co., a former South Oxnard metal recycling facility that drew scrutiny for environmental contamination before closing in 2004. The site was later designated as a federal Superfund cleanup location.
Impact on Westlake Village Real Estate and Community Standards
For homeowners in Westlake Village, First Neighborhood, and surrounding Ventura County communities, long-term vacant properties can affect curb appeal, property values, wildfire safety, and overall neighborhood desirability.
Code enforcement actions, blight cases, and absentee ownership issues are important factors buyers and sellers should understand when evaluating homes in established communities. Properties with prolonged deferred maintenance can create ripple effects—particularly in high-demand markets like Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, and Agoura Hills.
If you’re buying or selling a home in Westlake Village and want insight into neighborhood conditions, property history, HOA compliance, or code enforcement matters that don’t always show up on Zillow or Redfin, I can help you navigate those details.
In a market where reputation, compliance, and neighborhood integrity matter, having a local expert who understands Ventura County real estate from every angle makes all the difference.
Federal Prison Sentence for Owner of Neglected Westlake Village Home Tied to Native American Art Fraud Case
A long-vacant and deteriorating property in Westlake Village’s First Neighborhood is back in the spotlight—this time due to its owner receiving a federal prison sentence in a high-profile counterfeit Native American jewelry case.
Robert D. Haack, 59, the owner of a neglected home on Watergate Court in Westlake Village, has been sentenced in federal court in New Mexico to 37 months in prison. In addition to incarceration, he must pay $134,400 in restitution after being convicted of forging and selling counterfeit Native American jewelry falsely attributed to renowned Hopi artist Charles Loloma, widely regarded as a pioneer of contemporary Native American jewelry.
Counterfeit Jewelry Scheme Targeted Loloma’s Legacy
According to federal court filings, Haack created dozens of fraudulent jewelry pieces between 2008 and 2015 from his California residence. He allegedly marketed the items online, including through eBay, and through direct sales to buyers across the United States. Prosecutors stated that more than 10 collectors were deceived, with total losses approaching half a million dollars.
Investigators executing a search warrant reportedly discovered jewelry-making equipment, unfinished Loloma-style designs, and practice engravings of forged signatures on scrap metal. Notably, this manufacturing activity occurred at a different California residence—not the abandoned Watergate Court property that has frustrated Westlake Village residents for years.
Haack was ultimately convicted on multiple federal counts, including wire fraud, mail fraud, and violations of the Indian Arts and Crafts Act—a federal law prohibiting the misrepresentation of goods as “Indian-made.”
First Neighborhood Eyesore Raises Fire and Code Concerns
While the criminal case unfolded in New Mexico, Haack’s property at 31944 Watergate Court in Westlake Village remained a growing concern for neighbors and city officials.
Located in the desirable First Neighborhood of Westlake Village, the approximately 1,800-square-foot ranch-style home has sat vacant and visibly deteriorating for years. Residents have voiced repeated complaints to the First Neighborhood Property Owners Association and city officials regarding blight, deferred maintenance, and wildfire risk.
The house reportedly features a wood-shake roof layered with pine needles from surrounding mature trees—a condition that has heightened concerns amid Southern California’s ongoing wildfire threat. One nearby homeowner informally described the structure as resembling a “fire hazard waiting to happen.”
In October, the City of Westlake Village obtained an inspection warrant for the property, and an active code enforcement case remains open. According to the city prosecutor, municipal enforcement efforts date back more than a decade. In earlier years, Haack addressed violations when notified, but more recently ceased responding to city communications.
Federal Investigation and Trial Timeline
Federal authorities began investigating Haack in 2018 after two undercover agents with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service purchased counterfeit Loloma pieces. A federal grand jury later returned an indictment including multiple fraud charges.
In 2021, Haack initially pleaded guilty to three counts under a plea agreement that would have resulted in home confinement. However, he declined to provide required financial documentation to the U.S. Probation Office. As a result, the court rejected the plea deal, and he withdrew his guilty pleas.
When the case moved toward trial, proceedings were delayed after Haack claimed he suffered from a cognitive medical condition affecting his competency. Following a 30-day inpatient evaluation, the court determined he had fabricated the illness and ruled him fit to stand trial.
In June 2024, after a four-day jury trial in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Haack was convicted on two counts each of wire fraud and mail fraud, along with two counts of violating federal Indian arts protections.
Federal officials overseeing Indian arts protections emphasized that counterfeit sales undermine legitimate Native American artists who depend on authentic craftsmanship to sustain their livelihoods and preserve cultural traditions. The sentencing was described as a necessary step to protect both artists and collectors from fraud.
Under federal sentencing guidelines, Haack will serve his prison term without the possibility of parole.
Property Ownership and Local History
Public records indicate Haack became sole owner of the Watergate Court home in 2015 after acquiring full interest from his brother. He also owns another property on Mariner Circle near Westlake Lake.
Historically, the Haack family was associated with Halaco Engineering Co., a former South Oxnard metal recycling facility that drew scrutiny for environmental contamination before closing in 2004. The site was later designated as a federal Superfund cleanup location.
Impact on Westlake Village Real Estate and Community Standards
For homeowners in Westlake Village, First Neighborhood, and surrounding Ventura County communities, long-term vacant properties can affect curb appeal, property values, wildfire safety, and overall neighborhood desirability.
Code enforcement actions, blight cases, and absentee ownership issues are important factors buyers and sellers should understand when evaluating homes in established communities. Properties with prolonged deferred maintenance can create ripple effects—particularly in high-demand markets like Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, and Agoura Hills.
If you’re buying or selling a home in Westlake Village and want insight into neighborhood conditions, property history, HOA compliance, or code enforcement matters that don’t always show up on Zillow or Redfin, I can help you navigate those details.
In a market where reputation, compliance, and neighborhood integrity matter, having a local expert who understands Ventura County real estate from every angle makes all the difference.
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