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Counterfeit Kingpin Sentenced to 50 Months
A Rhode Island man has been sentenced to 50 months in federal prison for his role in a massive counterfeiting operation that netted over $1 million in fake sports jerseys, clothing, and health and beauty products.
Norman Cipriano, 41, of Warwick, was sentenced on Thursday by U.S. District Court Chief Judge William E. Smith. Cipriano pleaded guilty on August 5, 2013, to trafficking in counterfeit goods and services.
According to court documents, Cipriano was involved in the importation and sale of counterfeit merchandise, including sports jerseys and health and beauty products. The investigation, led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Rhode Island and Boston, uncovered a massive operation that netted over 14,500 counterfeit items.
U.S. Attorney Peter F. Neronha praised the vigilance of Customs and Border Protection agents in Alaska who first recognized Cipriano’s attempt to bring counterfeit items to the United States. “The world-wide theft of intellectual property and the sale of counterfeit goods is, unfortunately, a burgeoning and increasingly dangerous crime,” Neronha said.
Eric Caron, Resident Agent in Charge of HSI Providence, said that counterfeit products are not a victimless crime. “Criminals who sell counterfeit goods are economic leeches that siphon trade from legitimate businesses that pay taxes, create jobs and support our local economy,” Caron said.
As part of his sentence, Cipriano will also serve 3 years of supervised release upon completion of his prison term. An amount of restitution to be paid by Cipriano to various companies impacted in this matter will be determined at a later date.
Warwick Police Chief Colonel Stephen M. McCartney commended the collaborative effort between law enforcement agencies that led to Cipriano’s arrest and conviction. “This case is a prime example of the importance of interagency cooperation in combating organized crime,” McCartney said.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald R. Gendron.
HSI agents in Rhode Island, working with Warwick Police Detectives and Officers, and other federal, state and local law enforcement officials, took it from there, building a strong case that ultimately led to today’s entirely appropriate sentence.
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Key Facts
- State: Rhode Island
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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