Media/News Releases
Raid at Lake City Store Nets Nearly $200,000 in Counterfeit Merchandise
9/29/2009Lake City, SC -- Agents with the Secretary of State’s Office, Lake City Police Department and the Florence County Sheriff’s Office partnered to conduct a sting in Lake City that resulted in one arrest and the confiscation of nearly $200,000 in counterfeit merchandise. The merchandise was seized at All in the Family at 101 West Main Street, Lake City.
Arrested and charged with trafficking counterfeit goods was Melvin Nealy of 1125 Dennis Road, Lake City.
The counterfeit merchandise included CDs, footwear, clothing, wallets, handbags, and sunglasses. Companies misrepresented included Coach, Coogi, Dolce & Gabanna, Enyce, Ed Hardy, Evisu, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Nike, Polo, Rocawear, and True Religion. Lake City Police Chief Billy Brown assigned detectives with the Lake City Police Department to work with the South Carolina Secretary of State’s Office to shut down the counterfeit operation in Florence County. The counterfeit items will remain in storage while the Police Department awaits a court order to destroy them.
“This being the first time that the Lake City Police Department has investigated a case of this kind I would like to thank Sheriff Kenney Boone, the Florence County Sheriff’s Office and representatives from the South Carolina Secretary of State's Office, said Police Chief Billy Brown. “This was a joint effort by all involved. The Lake City Police Department will continue to investigate these cases and bring those involved to justice.”
“Counterfeit merchandise is illegal,” said Secretary of State Mark Hammond. “While consumers can readily find fakes, cheap prices and availability are poor excuses for supporting illegal activity. It's as wrong to support thieves, as it is to steal. We should use our buying power to support legitimate, socially-responsible companies developing products through creativity, research and manufacturing excellence. I commend the efforts of local law enforcement to protect intellectual property rights and to protect the citizens in this state.”
Trafficking in counterfeit goods is a felony with a fine up to $25,000 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.
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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(803) 734 0629
