Bennettsville Counterfeiters Busted

Secretary of State and Bennettsville Police Seize Counterfeit Merchandise Valued at More Than $265,500
Three Bennettsville men charged and arrested

COLUMBIA -- The Secretary of State’s Office and the Bennettsville Police Department partnered to conduct a sting in Bennettsville on January 28, 2008, that resulted in the confiscation of $265,565 in counterfeit merchandise and other property. Henry Coachman of 206 Powers Street was charged with trafficking in counterfeit merchandise, as well as operating without a business license. Robert Sturdivant of 549 Aaron Temple Church Road was charged with the illegal sale of counterfeit merchandise; and Mark Washington of 1615 Mary Lee Street was charged with two counts of illegal distribution of recordings.



Coachman was using a 40-foot trailer in his yard as his storefront. Sturdivant also sold merchandise from Coachman’s yard and trailer. The counterfeit merchandise included handbags, clothing and shoes. The bogus goods featured the names and logos of trademarked companies such as Apple Bottoms, baby phat, BAPE, Chanel, Chloe, Coach, Coogi, Christian Dior, Dooney & Bourke, Ecko, Enyce, Evisu, Ed Hardy, Fendi, Guess, Gucci, Lacoste, Louis Vuitton, LRG, Nike, North Face, Red Monkey, Rocawear, Timberland, and True Religion.



The 40-foot trailer, a white cargo van, and $785.00 in cash were also seized.

In a separate seizure, Mark Washington’s Urban Sensations store at 136 Cheraw Street, was closed when 538 CDs and 649 DVDs were confiscated. Movies as current as Juno and Atonement, nominated last week for the Academy Award for Best Picture, were some the movies from which customers could choose.

Detective Larry Bowman of the Bennettsville Police Department received tips regarding these operations. With the assistance of the Secretary of State’s Office, both locations were shut down, and all three men were arrested. Coachman could face five years in prison, a $25,000 fine, or both. Sturdivant may face one year of prison, a $1,000 fine, or both. Washington’s felony charge for having more than 65 DVDs may cost him five years in prison, a $250,00 fine, or both; the misdemeanor charge for possessing more than 100, but less than 1,000 CDs may cost him two years in prison, $250,000, or both. These charges are based upon legislation that was the result of the joint efforts of law enforcement and the Secretary of State’s Office. The counterfeit items will remain in storage while the Police Department awaits a court order to destroy them.

“The success of this operation is an excellent example of how well the community can assist law enforcement in solving crimes, and it is also an example of the great working relationship between the Secretary of State’s Office and the Bennettsville Police Department,” said Chief of Police Larry McNeil.
“Counterfeiting is illegal,” said Secretary of State Mark Hammond. “And, while consumers can readily find fakes, cheap prices and availability are poor excuses for supporting illegal activity.”

For more information regarding trademark violations or to register a mark, contact Secretary of State Mark Hammond’s office at (803) 734-2170.