Asheville Police Department Assists in Counterfeit Sweep

The Asheville Police Department on Aug. 23, 2008 provided logistical support and aid with evidence and property collection during a state investigation into copyright violations in the area.

Members of the N.C. Secretary of State’s Office, Counterfeit Goods Division Task Force (Intellectual Property Rights) led the operation, which resulted in the seizure of the following counterfeit merchandise:

Smiley’s Flea Market (Henderson County):
•    4,823 Music CDs, valued at $72,795
•    1,887 Music CDs, valued at $28,305   
•    Music CDs, valued at $10,626.00
•    Phone Covers/Handbags, valued at $1,295
•    Retail and Seized Property: $112,655

Lost Taxes: $7,266.25
Total: $119,921

Charged were:
•    Benny P. Allison, Spartanburg, S.C.
•    Jose Alberto Garcia, Greer, S.C.
•    Rangel Gilberto, Greenville, S.C.

Goombay Festival (Buncombe County):
•    Sunglasses, Wallets, Belts, valued at $1,570
•    Hats, Jewelry, valued at $8,435.00
•    Sunglasses, Jewelry, valued at $16,535
•    Retail and Seized Property: $26,540
Lost Taxes: $1,791.45
Total: $28,331.45

Charged were:
•    Faton Kine Ba, White Oak, Ohio
•    Astou Diop, Cincinnati, Ohio
•    Adama Njie, Riverdale, Ga.

Biltmore Square Mall (compliance check, no violations found.)

Total for Henderson & Buncombe
counties: $139,195
Lost Taxes: $9,395.66
Total: $148,590.66