Clothing at Evolution Designer Apparel
COLUMBIA (WACH) -- Officials say they've busted the owner of a Midlands clothing store with hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of counterfeit clothing and accessories.
Columbia police and the secretary of state's office worked together on the sting operation Wednesday at Evolution Designer Apparel in the Dutch Square Mall.
They have charged Jessica Freitas Norris, the store's owner, with trafficking counterfeit goods. Norris faces up to $25,000 in fines and up to five years behind bars.
“The sale of counterfeit merchandise hurts manufacturers, retailers, and the economy,” said Secretary of State Mark Hammond. “I offer my thanks to law enforcement in protecting intellectual property rights and commend the public for not being afraid to speak out when they see inappropriate pricing on so-called designer goods. ”
Authorities say the store had over $300,000 in fake merchandise including goods with logos of companies like Casio, Ed Hardy, Gucci and Ralph Lauren.
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