5 accused of trying to sell fakes

Raid could be Bibb sheriff's office's 'largest ever' involving counterfeiting, spokesman says
By Phillip Ramati
TELEGRAPH STAFF WRITER
The Bibb County Sheriff's Office recorded one of its largest counterfeit busts when deputies arrested five men and seized more than $500,000 in goods in a raid Sunday at Smiley's Flea Market.
Gregory Mullins of Macon, Reuben Adams of Macon, Rex Brooks of Macon, Issaka Dogo of Conyers and Darbo Fodeh of New York were charged in connection with trying to sell counterfeit clothes, jewelry and other items with a street value estimated between $500,000 and $750,000.
"There were knockoffs of originals," Bibb County Sheriff Jerry Modena said. "It was close to ($750,000) in items we picked up."
"This is the biggest one since we've been dealing with counterfeit items that I can remember," said Capt. David Davis, who has been with the sheriff's office for 30 years. "I'd say it's the largest ever."
Most important among the six vanloads and one truckload of items seized were several cases of knockoff power cords and extension cords.
Because the contacts inside the cords are inadequate, they pose a fire hazard when used.
"We're hitting that real hard," Modena said. "I'm worried more about (the cords) than anything else."
Investigator Paul McDuffie said a lot of people use extension cords on space heaters this time of year. "When they fail, they can start a fire," he said.
Modena urged anyone who bought cords at or near Smiley's Flea Market recently to have them checked with the police or fire department to make sure they are safe.
Other items confiscated included counterfeit Rolex watches, Nike shoes, Louis Vuitton handbags, Izod clothing, fake NBA and NFL caps and jerseys, and other items. Deputies also confiscated about $15,000 in cash.
Davis said the sheriff's office had been alerted to the contraband by investigators who work for major manufacturers across the country. The men renting a booth at Smiley's Flea Market had been observed for three or four weeks, officials said.
Modena said each year about $260 billion in counterfeit items are sold across the country. In addition to cheating consumers, Modena said, counterfeit items also hurt area manufacturers and taxpayers.
"It's also been linked to funding terrorist groups like Hamas and al-Qaida," Modena said. "It's hurting area workers, taxpayers. We're trying to get it off the streets and protect legitimate wares."
Modena said he hoped to donate some of the clothing to the area's needy, and the rest would eventually be destroyed.
Each of the five people arrested could receive prison sentences of anywhere from five to 20 years, Modena said. In addition, they could be sued in civil court by the manufacturers for using the trademarks of those companies.