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House of Style Owner Arrested, Charged with Distribution of Counterfeit Goods

Secretary of State, Myrtle Beach, and N. Myrtle Beach Police Depts. partner to raid 3 stores

3/20/2009
COLUMBIA -- The Secretary of State’s Office, the Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach Police Departments partnered to conduct a sting in Horry County on March 18, 2009 that resulted in the confiscation of $116,375 in counterfeit merchandise. Arrested on three charges of distribution of counterfeit merchandise was Mr. Tal Banay of 1064 Cole Court, Myrtle Beach, SC.

The counterfeit merchandise included jewelry, wallets and handbags. Companies misrepresented were Bebe, Chanel, Christian Dior, Coach, Disney, Dolce & Gabanna, Harley-Davidson, Juicy Couture, Louis Vuitton, Baby Phat, Playboy, Rocawear, Tiffany & Co., Versace, and Warner Brothers . 

The Secretary of State’s Office worked with the local law enforcement agencies to seize merchandise at the three House of Style locations: Broadway at the Beach, 1215 Celebrity Circle, Myrtle Beach; Coastal Grand Mall, 2000 Coastal Grand Circle, Unit 505, Myrtle Beach; and Barefoot Landing, 4840 US Highway 17 South, North Myrtle Beach. The counterfeit items will remain in storage while the Police Departments await court orders to destroy them.

“The Grand Strand is known worldwide for its hospitality and tourism, and we must protect that reputation and not let individuals exploit our tourists, businesses and artists,” said Secretary of State Mark Hammond. “I encourage consumers to question inappropriate pricing or markings on known ‘designer’ items, and ask them to contact the Secretary of State’s Office or local law enforcement if they suspect counterfeit merchandise. I also want to commend the Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach Police Departments for one of the smoothest, most professional actions we have ever participated in,” said Hammond.
 
“It’s an honor to work so seamlessly with the Secretary of State’s Office, knowing we share the goal of making sure our residents and visitors do not get taken advantage of,” said North Myrtle Public Safety Department Detective Paul Sheets. “We strive to protect North Myrtle Beach and remind those living in our community or just visiting our City to call the Public Safety Department if they see any wrongdoing or crime.”

Banay may face fines up to $60,000 and/or 15 years in prison for the three charges. The distribution of counterfeit goods valued between $10,000 up to $50,000 is a felony with a fine up to $20,000 and/or five years in jail or both per charge. 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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Contact: Renee S. Daggerhart
(803) 734 0629