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Fake Pradas and Guccis to be burned

By WINK News

Lee County, Fla. - Lee County sheriff's investigators confiscated 55 garbage bags full of fake purses, wallets, belts and jewelry - more than $1 Million worth in all. An expensive price tag, but if the products had been real, that would've been the going price. One problem though, the Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada, Rolex, Coach, Kate Spade, Oakley and Ray Ban's were all counterfeit.

Undercover investigators found the products displayed out in the open of Lee's Watches and Handbags at the Flamingo Island Flea Market in Bonita Springs. The store's owner, Jong Lee is now facing eight felony counts of vending goods with counterfeit labels. WINK News was there as deputies escorted him into the Lee County Sheriff's Office for questioning. He said nothing to our crews, but investigators tell us he's not giving up where he got the products.

A magazine selling counterfeit goods out of China was also confiscated from the store. That's how investigators say the vendors usually get a hold of the fake goods.

But the trademarks are watching. We spoke with a private investigator working the case. He says one of the trademark companies was tipped off about the illegal activity in Southwest Florida. During a six week investigation, he was able to determine the items sold at Lee's Watches and Handbags were fake. The private investigator then contacted the Lee County Sheriff's Office.

Jong Lee may have been able to avoid all of the trouble. The private investigator tells us Lee was sent a cease and desist letter a few months ago, told he needed to stop selling the products or else. "Or else" came with his arrest on Friday.

Once the investigation is closed, we are told the fake goods will be destroyed and Lee may be responsible for the cost.

Thrifty shoppers trying to nab a good deal can also get in trouble. Police say people that purchase counterfeit goods could face misdemeanor charges.





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