Secretary of State and Richland County Seize Bogus Goods Valued at $17,000

COLUMBIA -- The Secretary of State’s Office and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department partnered to conduct a sting in Columbia on December 18, 2009, that resulted in the confiscation of $17,000 in counterfeit merchandise. Salim Abdullah Shadiid of 129 Charmont Drive, and Anthony Limehouse of 3845 Shaw Street, were charged with distribution of counterfeit goods.

Shadiid and Limehouse were working out of S&S Merchandising at 5901 C North Main Street, Columbia.    The counterfeit merchandise included boots, handbags, hats, scarves, shoes and wallets. The bogus goods featured the names and logos of trademarked companies COOGI, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Nike, and Timberland. Shadiid and Limehouse could face five years in prison, a $20,000 fine, or both. The counterfeit items will remain in storage while the Sheriff’s Department awaits a court order to destroy them.

This was Shadiid’s second arrest at the same location.  Shadiid was arrested and charged with distribution of counterfeit goods on June 10, 2009.  Counterfeit goods valued at $13,200 were confiscated during that investigation.

“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.” 

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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