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Counterfeit Merchandise Kingpin Busted in Buffalo
BUFFALO, N.Y. – In a major blow to online counterfeiters, Ryan Breen, 33, of Savannah, N.Y., pleaded guilty to selling over $75,000 worth of unauthorized merchandise from the popular FX Network Television series ‘Sons of Anarchy’.
U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced that Breen, the owner and operator of various websites, used the Sons of Anarchy trademark without permission from Twentieth Century Fox Entertainment Group, the producer and exclusive owner of the TV series.
The defendant’s websites were seized by federal agents as part of a nationwide crackdown on intellectual property theft. Breen had sold over $75,000 worth of customized Sons of Anarchy clothes, hats, and other items that infringed on the trademark of Fox.
The plea is the result of an investigation by Special Agents of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge James C. Spero.
Breen faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $2,000,000 fine for the crime. Sentencing is scheduled for September 27, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.
The case serves as a warning to online counterfeiters that federal agents are cracking down on intellectual property theft. ‘This case is a prime example of the serious consequences for those who engage in this type of crime,’ said U.S. Attorney Hochul.
Breen’s case is a reminder that the sale of counterfeit goods online is a serious offense that can have severe consequences. The public is urged to be cautious when purchasing merchandise online and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Cybercrime|White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
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