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Counterfeit Goods Traffickers Sentenced
Two individuals from Rapid City, South Dakota, Ravaye Meltzer, age 34, and Bar Braver, age 29, have been sentenced for their involvement in trafficking counterfeit goods and services. On February 22, 2013, Chief U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken handed down the sentences.
The two defendants were found guilty of intentionally selling counterfeit goods in various locations near Rapid City, Keystone, Deadwood, Hill City, and Sturgis between February 2010 and August 2011. The counterfeit goods bore the trademarks of several well-known brands, including Monster Energy, Angry Birds, Hollister, The North Face, and Ed Hardy.
According to the investigation, Meltzer and Braver sold these counterfeit goods, amounting to approximately $300,000 in bank accounts and goods, which they were subsequently ordered to forfeit as part of their sentence.
Meltzer and Braver were also ordered to pay $100 to the Victim Assistance Fund as a part of their sentence. Both defendants were sentenced to 1 year of probation, bringing an end to their involvement in the counterfeiting operation.
The investigation into the counterfeit goods trafficking operation was led by Homeland Security Investigations, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins prosecuting the case.
The sentencing of Meltzer and Braver serves as a reminder of the consequences of engaging in counterfeit goods trafficking. The sale of counterfeit goods not only affects the legitimate businesses that own the trademarks, but also undermines the economy and poses a threat to public health and safety.
RELATED: Fayetteville’s Krol Gets 6 Years for Counterfeit Empire
Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Category: White Collar Crime|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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