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Anderson Stores Site of Raid; Nearly $110,000 in Counterfeit Merchandise Seized

5/22/2009
Anderson -- Agents with the Secretary of State’s Office and the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office partnered to conduct a sting in Anderson that resulted in two arrests and the confiscation of $109,780 in counterfeit merchandise. The merchandise was found at Exotik Styles Apparel & Accessories, 3409 South Murray Avenue, Highway 81 South, Anderson, and at Shirt Kings & Queens, 1429 Pearman Dairy Road, Anderson.

Lequinn Johnson, Jr. of 320 E. Beltline Boulevard, Apartment G8 in Anderson was charged and arrested for trafficking in counterfeit goods and the illegal distribution of recordings. Tommy Lydell Jackson of 704 Winter Green Court, Anderson, was charged and arrested for distribution of counterfeit goods. Johnson is the owner of Exotik Styles Apparel & Accessories;Jackson is the owner of Shirt Kings & Queens.

The counterfeit merchandise included various clothing items, accessories, shoes and jewelry bearing counterfeit marks from several well-known companies. Companies misrepresented were Chanel, Coach, Coogi, Dolce & Gabanna, Dooney & Burke, Ed Hardy, Gucci, Lacoste, Louis Vuitton, Major League Baseball, Motion Picture Association of America, Nike, Polo, Prada, and Tiffany & Company. 

“The sale of counterfeit merchandise is not a victimless crime. It hurts manufacturers, retailers, and the economy,” said Secretary of State Mark Hammond.   “I encourage consumers to question inappropriate pricing or markings on known ‘designer’ items, as well as where the items are being sold. I commend the efforts of law enforcement to protect intellectual property rights and to protect the citizens in this state, and I am pleased that the new trademark legislation will provide tougher penalties for these types of crimes.”

Trafficking in counterfeit goods is a felony with a fine up to $25,000 and/or five years in prison. Distribution of counterfeit goods is a felony with a fine up to $20,000 and/or five years in prison. The illegal distribution of recordings carries with it a fine of $250,000 and/or five years in prison

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

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