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Secretary of State, Florence & Darlington Law Enforcement Shut Down Counterfeiters

Eight vendors arrested at Florence Flea Market

7/21/2009
 Florence -- Agents with the South Carolina Secretary of State’s Office, the Florence County Sheriff’s Office, Florence Police Department and the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office partnered to conduct a sting on July 18, 2009 that resulted in the confiscation of more than $172,700 in counterfeit merchandise, five vehicles and $4,027 in cash. Eight vendors were arrested and charged with distribution of counterfeit goods, trafficking in counterfeit goods or illegal distribution of recordings at the Florence Flea Market at 4001 East Palmetto Street. 

The counterfeit merchandise included clothing, shoes, purses, scarves, wallets, boots, and umbrellas bearing counterfeit marks from numerous well-known companies. Companies misrepresented were Bape, Black Label, Coach, Chanel, Coogi, Dolce & Gabanna, Ed Hardy, Evisu, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Nike, Prada, Roca Wear, Timberland, and Versace. DVDs from the Motion Picture Association of America and the Recording Industry Association of America were also being distributed illegally, violating copyright infringement laws. The vehicles were confiscated because they were used to transport the counterfeit merchandise.

The Florence and Darlington County Sheriff’s Offices and the Florence Police Department assigned detectives to work with the South Carolina Secretary of State’s Office, where trademarks are registered,  to shut down the major counterfeit operation in Florence County. The counterfeit items will remain in storage while the Florence Sheriff’s Office awaits a court order to destroy them.

 “Counterfeiting is illegal and purchasing counterfeit products supports illegal activity,” said Secretary of State Mark Hammond. “I would like to commend Florence and Darlington County law enforcement in their efforts to protect intellectual property rights in South Carolina.”

Distribution of counterfeit goods is a felony with a fine up to $20,000 and/or five years in prison. Trafficking in counterfeit goods carries up to a $25,000 fine and/or five years in prison. More stringent trademark legislation was a result of the joint efforts of law enforcement and the Secretary of State’s Office. 

Arrested were:
Mr. Yoon Nham Harka and Mrs. Yoshinora Harka
97 Sandclay Road
Spring Lake, NC
Charge: Distribution of counterfeit goods
$20,000 and/or 5 years imprisonment

Ms. Lameka Nicole Fulton
435 South Morris Street
Lake City, SC
Charge: distribution of counterfeit goods
$10,000 and/or 3 years imprisonment

Mr. Sylvester Galbreath
447 Pine Street
Florence, SC
Charge: distribution of counterfeit goods
$10,000 and/or 3 years imprisonment

Mr. Alhagi Suwareh
9398 Bogey Court
Jonesborough, GA
Charge: distribution of counterfeit goods
$20,000 and or 5 years imprisonment

Mr. Billy Clyennie Lewis
5758 Highway 85
Riverdale, GA
Charge: distribution of counterfeit goods
$20,000 and/or 5 years imprisonment

Mr. Burley Leon Buchanan
991 Holmes Road, Apt. B
Chester, SC
Charges: distribution of counterfeit goods
$20,000 and/or 5 years imprisonment
Illegal distribution of recordings
$250,000 and/or 5 years imprisonment

Mr. Seung Bin Hwang
419 Santa Fe Drive
Fayetteville, NC
Charge: trafficking in counterfeit goods
$25,000 and/or 5 years imprisonment

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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