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Georgia Man Arrested in Second Counterfeit Trafficking Offense

2/11/2009
 COLUMBIA -- The Secretary of State’s Office and the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department partnered to conduct a sting on the evening of February 10, 2009, that resulted in the confiscation of approximately $103,250 in counterfeit merchandise from a local hotel room. Arrested for trafficking in counterfeit goods was Issaka Dogo of Conyers, Georgia.

The counterfeit merchandise included purses, shoes, clothing and sunglasses that were knockoffs of high-end and reputable brands such as Chanel, Coach, Coogi, Dooney & Bourke, Ed Hardy, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, NASCAR, Nike, Ralph Lauren, Timberland, and Versace. 

The Secretary of State’s Office received information from an out-of-state law enforcement agency regarding Dogo’s stay at the Quality Inn at 2516 Augusta Road in West Columbia.  Dogo regularly stayed at the Quality Inn when trafficking in West Columbia. The counterfeit items will remain in storage while the Sheriff’s Department awaits a court order to destroy them.

“Mr. Dogo is a repeat offender in Lexington County,” said Secretary of State Mark Hammond. “The trafficking of counterfeit goods is a felony, and repeat offenders can serve up to ten years and/or pay a $50,000 fine. I commend the efforts of the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department to protect intellectual property rights and to protect the citizens of Lexington County. ”

“The law is designed to protect the business investment of trademark holders,” said Lexington County Sheriff James Metts. “It also protects consumers by ensuring that the goods they have purchased meet the appropriate manufacturing standards and constitute a genuine brand name product.”

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