UTICA -- Three Utica-area residents are charged with trading in counterfeit merchandise with brand-name labels including North Face, Ugg boots, Coach, and Louis Vuitton.
State police say search warrants in the Utica area turned up stockpiles of counterfeit merchandise in three self-storage rental units in Utica, Schuyler, and Westmoreland. More merchandise, cash and vehicles were also seized from several residences. Counterfeit handbags, shoes, sunglasses, and other apparel with an estimated street value of more than $183,000 were secured as evidence.
Arrested Wednesday were 65-year-old Francis Rotundo of Utica, 64-year-old John Meagher of Utica, and 47-year-old Angela Topi of Rome. They are charged with felony trademark counterfeiting and conspiracy.
All were released on appearance tickets to appear in court at a later date.
Troopers say their investigation is ongoing, and any questions regarding this case should be directed to the State Police Special Investigations Unit in Utica at 315-793-2531.
