Jennifer Wolters, Phillip Gallo, of Patchogue, charged with trafficking $1M in counterfeit goods
Authorities displayed an array of allegedly counterfeit goods Wednesday in connection with the arrest of a Patchogue couple. Credit: Suffolk County District Attorney's Office
A Patchogue couple has been charged with trafficking in counterfeit goods, and possessing more than $1 million worth of counterfeit merchandise, including knockoffs of high-end pocketbooks and bags, Suffolk authorities said.
Suffolk County police executed a search warrant at both the Patchogue home and Holbrook office of Jennifer Wolters, 43, and Phillip Gallo, 47, on June 7. Alongside members of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Postal Service, police seized over $1 million worth of “high-end accessories,” according to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office.
Police did not say how the merchandise was acquired or sold.
Photographs released from the district attorney’s office indicate authorities seized dozens of drinkware items, tote bags and pocketbooks, including a pair of bags adorned with the monogram “GG,” the Gucci logo. Authorities said the Suffolk County Police Department relies on assistance from industry experts in determining counterfeit items.
“Legitimate commerce is a pillar for a healthy economy,” Suffolk District Attorney Ray Tierney said in a news release. “The sale of counterfeit items harms legitimate businesses and impacts consumer confidence, which in turn affects our economy."
Matthew B. Tuohy, the Huntington-based defense attorney representing both Wolters and Gallo, said the couple advertise boutique items such as pocketbooks and makeup from “nice brands” online.
“Right now they’re maintaining their innocence,” Tuohy said. “They run a valid business and there seems to be some misunderstanding that hopefully we can clear up. Both of them do not have any prior criminal record. I believe this is something that’s going to be resolved.”
Tuohy said he is not sure how his clients acquired the merchandise, but said they sell the items to the “general public, mainly people here on Long Island” and “seem to have a number of very happy, satisfied customers.”
Wolters and Gallo were arrested and arraigned on charges of trademark counterfeiting in the first degree before Judge Jennifer Henry in Central Islip on Tuesday. Both were released without bail and are scheduled to return to court for conference on July 17.