Oahu jeweler busted for selling illegal ivory

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - An Oahu jeweler is facing prison time for selling 'made in Hawaii' products that were actually made in Southeast Asian with illegal ivory.

'Hawaiian Accessories' owner Curtis Wilmington pleaded guilty to conspiracy on Thursday.

Authorities say he smuggled black coral from Mexico and walrus tusks from Alaska. He had it carved into fish hooks in the Philippines, then sold them at his gift shops for $250 each, saying they were 'made in Hawaii.'

Undercover agents bought the hooks at one of his Waikiki stores and at the Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo.

Wilmington faces up to five years in prison when he's sentenced in June. Other company officials, including his daughter are scheduled to plead guilty next week.

Copyright 2016 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.