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COUNTERFEIT GOODS SEIZED IN GOOSE CREEK SECRETARY OF STATE NABS LOCAL MAN TRAFFICKING FAKE MERCHANDISE GOOSE CREEK—Secretary of State Jim Miles announced today that $179,734 worth of counterfeit merchandise was seized in an undercover buy involving a Goose Creek resident who was trafficking in counterfeit goods. According to Miles, Curtis Nathanial Yon of 119 Alcester Road in Goose Creek was arrested on Thursday in an undercover sting operation led by an investigator from the Secretary of State’s Office and assisted by the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office and the Goose Creek Police Department. “I would like to commend the sheriff’s office, particularly Detective Mark Mason, and the Goose Creek Police Department’s Detective Sergeant William Kelley for their fine work in this operation,” said Secretary Miles. “Their professionalism and cooperation in this undercover buy enabled us to make one of the largest trademark violation busts in this state.” Secretary of State Jim Miles, whose office regulates trademark protection and enforcement, added that the sale of counterfeit goods hurts the manufacturer who provides quality goods and legitimate jobs in South Carolina and around the country. Among the merchandise seized were fake clothing items, watches, and accessories bearing the counterfeit likeness of brand names such as Polo, Tommy Hilfiger, Guess, Nike, Oakley, Rolex, Fubu, and Ray Ban. “The consumer wants to know that he is getting the quality associated with the brand name,” said Miles. “These counterfeit dealers are cheating our citizens two ways—by selling them fake merchandise and taking away jobs that a legitimate manufacturer and retailer tries to provide.” Miles also credited private investigative firm, George Arnold & Associates, for their role in tracking down the counterfeit dealer, “George Arnold & Associates provided investigative assistance from the private sector, while the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office and the Goose Creek Police Department gave us the local support we needed.” Yon, who was arrested and released on a personal recognizance bond, was charged with "trafficking in counterfeit goods," which carries a $1,000 penalty and/or 1 year in prison. |
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