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Raid in Allendale Nets Nearly $65,000 in Counterfeit Merchandise

1/9/2009
COLUMBIA -- Agents with the Secretary of State’s Office and the Allendale Police Department partnered to conduct a sting in Allendale that resulted in one arrest and the confiscation of $64,905 in counterfeit merchandise. The merchandise was seized at This & That Variety at 476 B South Main Street, Allendale.

Arrested on the charges of distribution of counterfeit goods and the illegal distribution of recordings was John W. Alls, Jr. of 260 Myers Street, Allendale.

The counterfeit merchandise included CDs, DVDs, purses, wallets, shoes and clothing. Companies misrepresented were Baby Phat, Bape, Chanel, Coach, Coogi, Dolce & Gabanna, Enyce, Ed Hardy, Evisu, Gucci, Lacoste, LRG, Motion Picture Association of America, Nike, Prada, Recording Industry of America, Reebok, Rocawear and True Religion. Allendale Chief of Police John R. Sullivan assigned detectives with the Allendale Police Department to work with the South Carolina Secretary of State’s Office to shut down the counterfeit operation in Allendale County. The counterfeit items will remain in storage while the Police Department awaits a court order to destroy them.

“Passing counterfeit merchandise is a serious offense which disrupts the integrity of our local economy,” said Chief Sullivan. “Our office is committed to arresting and prosecuting counterfeiting offenses. I want to take this opportunity to thank the agents of the Secretary of State's Office as well as the officers of the Allendale Police Department for a successful operation.”

“The sale of counterfeit merchandise is not a victimless crime. It hurts manufacturers, retailers, and the economy,” said Secretary of State Mark Hammond.   I commend the efforts of local law enforcement to protect intellectual property rights and to protect the citizens in this state, and I am pleased that the trademark legislation will provide tougher penalties for these types of crimes.”

Distribution of counterfeit goods is a felony with a fine up to $20,000 and/or five years in prison. Subsequent offenses may result in a fine up to $50,000 and ten years in prison. The illegal distribution of recordings carries with it a fine of $250,000 and/or five years in prison. This 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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