20 Charged in Counterfeit Merchandise Raids

On June 20 and 21, police in St. Mary’s County conducted seizures of merchandise and made arrests at the Charlotte Hall Farmers Market, in Mechanicsville, and the Keep It Real Store, in Lexington Park.

The action was based on a two month BCI investigation into various vendors for the sale of illegal counterfeit items included music, movies, handbags, and various clothing.

Bureau of Criminal Investigations detectives from the Criminal and Narcotics Divisions were assisted by Maryland State Police and Sheriff’s Office Patrol officers, Maryland State Police Homeland Security & Intelligence Division, Sheriff’s Office Corrections Division, the Southern Maryland Information Center, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), The Motion Picture Industry, and the Clothing and Apparel Industry.

As a result of the operation 20 suspects were placed under arrest and charged with felony Counterfeit Producing, and Selling Charges, with penalties ranging up to 15 years in prison. Other individuals are facing possible future charges.

Counterfeit items with a retail value of $693,000 as well as over $3800 in cash were seized during the operation.

The following is a list of the persons arrested and incarcerated at the St. Mary’s County Detention Center;

Bryan K. Abney, Washington
Norman M. Clark, Clinton
Stephen D. Coates, Waldorf
Paul H. Cromwell 3rd, Eldersburg
Daryl Q. Gladden, Laurel
Lawanda M. Gross, Ft. Washington
Sami S. Habash, Clinton
Robert E. Haynes, Waldorf
Wright Leonard, Brooklyn
Lee M. Morris, Ft. Washington
Larry Noble, Bronx, NY
Bu Y. Park, Burke, VA
Hee M. Park, Burke VA
Maurice X. Queen, Lexington Park
Young W. Shin, Alexandria
Udsidi Suw, Washington
Edgar St.Fleurant, Brooklyn NY
Leathon, L. Williamson, Alexandria
Reginald, W. Wilson, Bowie
Louis D. Young, Waldorf