Secretary of State & Richland County Sheriff Seize Counterfeit Merchandise

COLUMBIA -- The Secretary of State’s Office and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department partnered to conduct a sting in Columbia on August 20, 2008, that resulted in the confiscation of $200,275 in counterfeit merchandise. Rosevelt Brown of 533 Chillowee Road, Columbia, was charged with trafficking in counterfeit merchandise.

Brown was operating from a truck and trailer at the BP gas station at 8000 Garners Ferry Road, Columbia.   The counterfeit merchandise included handbags, clothing, shoes and wallets. The bogus goods featured the names and logos of trademarked companies such as Coach, Coogi, Christian Dior, Evisu, Ed Hardy, Gucci, Lacoste, Louis Vuitton, National Basketball Association, National Football League, Nike, Polo, Prada, Red Monkey, and Rocawear.

Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott said the department received tips regarding the illegal operation and with the assistance of the Secretary of State’s Office, Brown’s mobile operation was shut down, and he was arrested. Brown could face five years in prison, a $25,000 fine, or both. The counterfeit items will remain in storage while the Sheriff’s Department awaits a court order to destroy them.

“The community is to be commended for getting involved in stopping this criminal activity,” said Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott. “Time and again we make arrests and seizures because citizens get involved and work with the Sheriff’s Department to make Richland County a safer place to live.”

“Trafficking in counterfeit merchandise is illegal and purchasing these goods supports illegal activity,” said Secretary of State Mark Hammond. “Counterfeiting has been linked to organized crime and drug trafficking. When you purchase a fake, you become part of the cycle of counterfeiting. The people of the Midlands can end the cycle by not purchasing inferior-quality fakes. Please contact your local law enforcement or the Secretary of State’s Office if you suspect someone is selling counterfeit merchandise in your community.”

For more information regarding trademark violations or to register a mark, contact Secretary of State Mark Hammond’s office at (803) 734-2170.

###