Counterfeiter warned three times – but still arrested

A St Johns County man was arrested and charged with possession and sale of counterfeit products Tuesday afternoon; but, Historic City News has learned that the arrest follows three prior warnings from law enforcement investigators which were apparently ignored.

A special agent with Homeland Security Investigations began scrutinizing 29-year old Tyrone Pierre Lewis in April of last year after it was discovered that he was importing a large quantity of packages from a known counterfeit distributor in China.

“Counterfeit goods are often substandard products — we’ve seen Christmas lights that catch fire and medications composed of harmful chemicals,” said Susan McCormick, special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Tampa. “Time and time again, we warn consumers — if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.”

Lewis, who resides at 300 Summer Breeze Way in St Augustine, was using a fictitious name to obtain, and a fictitious address to receive, the illegal merchandise; which he, in turn, resold over the Internet to unsuspecting purchasers through a commercial shopping website.

Homeland Security Investigations, in conjunction with US Customs and Border Protection, recently intercepted two packages enroute to St Augustine that contained 148 counterfeit “LifeProof” brand iPhone cases. LifeProof offers the first and only water proof, dirt proof, snow proof and shock proof case for Apple’s iPhone and iPad. They are legitimately sold in retail stores and online for about $79 each — some are more expensive.

Yesterday, Lewis, driving a 2011 Hyundai Elantra, made contact with undercover detectives who purchased two of the counterfeit iPhone cases. Based on the evidence, a search warrant was obtained for the Lewis apartment.

When the warrant was served, detectives seized additional iPhone cases, DVD and DS games; all of which are counterfeit according to the incident report. Their estimated retail value of the merchandise, had it been authentic, was over $20,000. Detectives also seized the vehicle used in the undercover purchase.

Lewis was taken into custody and booked at the St Johns County Detention Facility until his first appearance hearing this morning. He posted $11,000 bond, and was released today.