January 29, 2004

By: Kim Park
Website: http://www.1st-in-sunglasses.com

Secretary Hammond Busts Trademark Counterfeiters

Secretary of State Mark Hammond announced today that agents of his office conducted a raid in Cherokee County that led to 2 arrests and the confiscation of over $40,000 in counterfeit Oakley sunglasses. Lewis Franklin Martin of Gastonia and Lisa Dawn Tansill of Huntersville, NC were arrested following an undercover sting operation led by an investigator from the Secretary of State’s Office and assisted by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office. Cherokee County Sheriff Bill Blanton stated that We’re always available to assist the Secretary of State’s Office in these matters, and were glad to assist this time. The buy-bust was facilitated by information provided in a February arrest made in Pickens County. The Secretary of State’s Office and Pickens County Sheriff’s Office confiscated over $50,000 dollars worth of counterfeit Oakleys in the raid.

I would like to thank Sheriff Bill Blanton and the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Department for their professionalism and cooperation in Friday’s undercover buy, said Secretary Hammond. The consumer wants to know that he or she is getting the quality associated with the brand name. These counterfeit dealers are cheating our citizens by selling them fake merchandise, and taking away jobs that a legitimate manufacturer and retailer tries to provide.

Each charge of counterfeit merchandise carries a maximum penalty of $5000 and/or one year in prison. Secretary Hammond promised to crack down on these counterfeiters during his campaign for office, and has made trademark investigation a primary focus of his administration. Peddling counterfeit merchandise is bad business for South Carolina, said Hammond.

About The Author:

Kim Park is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-sunglasses.com.  Helping you find great deals on discount designer sunglasses.