FBI investigates La. couple accused of selling forged works of folk artist Clementine Hunter

FBI investigates forgery claims against La. couple

BATON ROUGE, La. — A Louisiana couple says they never created or sold any forgeries of works by renowned folk artist Clementine Hunter.

The FBI is investigating allegations that 78-year-old William Toye and his 68-year-old wife Beryl Ann have been selling forged paintings to unsuspecting art collectors and dealers since the 1970s.

No new charges have been filed against the Toyes since the FBI opened its investigation. But court records show agents searched their Baton Rouge home on Sept. 30 and seized artwork and other items.

The biggest victim could be Hunter, who died in 1988 at age 101.

The black folk artist taught herself to paint in rural Louisiana. Her paintings depict scenes of plantation life. Since her death, her paintings now sell for thousands of dollars.