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Raid at Annual Cooterfest Nets More Than $127,800 in Counterfeit Merchandise

5/12/2009
Allendale -- Agents with the Secretary of State’s Office and the Allendale Police Department partnered to conduct a sting in Allendale that resulted in three arrests and the confiscation of $127,805 in counterfeit merchandise. The merchandise was seized at the annual Cooterfest along Memorial Avenue in Allendale.

Arrested on the charges of distribution of counterfeit goods were Clyde Leon McBride, III, 1701 DeCree Avenue, West Columbia; Nina Teresa, 1622 Lucelle Avenue, Stone Mountain, Georgia; and Sylvester Monroe Galbroath, 53333 Meadow Prong Road, Effingham. Galbroath was also charged with the illegal distribution of recordings.

The counterfeit merchandise included CDs, DVDs, purses, wallets, shoes, clothing and accessories. Companies misrepresented were Chanel, Coach, Coogi, Dolce & Gabanna, Enyce, Ed Hardy, Evisu, Gucci, Jimmy Choo, Louis Vuitton, Nike, Polo, Prada, Rocawear, Timberland, Tommy Hilfiger, True Religion and Versace. 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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