LOXAHATCHEE, Fla — Two women have been charged with felonies after organizing what they referred to as a ‘purse party’ at a business in Loxahatchee.
However, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office claims that their activities involved attempting to sell over one million dollars worth of imitation luxury items.
Located in Loxahatchee, the American Blue Pool Supply appears to be an ordinary store. However, it became the focus of an undercover investigation last Saturday.
An undercover deputy and an expert in luxury brands entered the store and noticed several items displayed with well-known designer labels such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel, as stated by the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.
The luxury brand expert determined that these items were counterfeit, a conclusion later affirmed by sales representative Jennifer Parker.
The investigators proceeded to purchase a knockoff Louis Vuitton wallet and a Cartier bracelet for a total of $65, while the actual retail value of these items is $30,000.
Subsequently, it was discovered that the store contained counterfeit goods with a combined value exceeding $1.25 million.
Jennifer Parker, along with Noreen Massimo, the owner of the pool supply store, now face felony charges related to counterfeiting private labels.
The sale and purchase of counterfeit merchandise are illegal, and according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, many individuals are unaware that the production of counterfeit items can involve forced labor, human trafficking, and support for other criminal activities.
Both Parker and Massimo have been released on bail. Parker has pleaded not guilty to the charges and is scheduled to appear in court next month.
