Samuel Ascolese, Trafficking in Counterfeit Goods, South Dakota 2014

A New York man, Samuel Ascolese, 45, has been sentenced for trafficking in counterfeit goods in South Dakota.

Ascolese was sentenced to 12 months and 1 day of imprisonment by U.S. Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken on October 17, 2014, in the U.S. District Court.

Ascolese, the owner of Custom Tattoo Apparel, was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund and $72,652.99 in restitution.

Ascolese knowingly sold counterfeit T-Shirts during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in August 2013. The counterfeits were from many different trademark holders, including Monster Energy, Sons of Anarchy (20th Century Fox), Honda, Acura, Jack Daniels, Ford/Powerstroke, Cummins, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Dodge/Mopar/Chrysler, and Browning.

The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins prosecuted the case. Ascolese was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

Ascolese's conviction and sentencing serve as a reminder of the importance of protecting intellectual property rights and the severe consequences for those who engage in counterfeit activities.

The case highlights the efforts of law enforcement agencies to crack down on counterfeit goods and bring perpetrators to justice.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sd/pr/new-york-man-sentenced-selling-counterfeit-goods