PATCHOGUE COUPLE CHARGED WITH UNLAWFULLY SELLING COUNTERFEIT MERCHANDISE

(SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y.) – Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced the arrests of Jennifer Wolters, 43, and Phillip Gallo, 47, both of Patchogue, were arrested and arraigned for Trademark Counterfeiting in the First Degree for possessing counterfeit high-end accessories.

“Legitimate commerce is a pillar for a healthy economy. The sale of counterfeit items harms legitimate businesses and impacts consumer confidence which in turn affects our economy,” said District Attorney Tierney. “My office will continue to work with our federal partners and hold individuals responsible for introducing counterfeit merchandise into our stream of commerce.

According to the investigation, on June 7, 2024, during the execution of a search warrant at both Wolters’ and Gallo’s Patchogue home and Holbrook office, Suffolk County Police Department assigned to the District Attorney’s Office, along with U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Postal Service members allegedly seized counterfeit merchandise valued at over $1,000,000.

On June 25, 2024, Wolters and Gallo were arraigned on the indictment before, before Judge Jennifer Henry for Trademark Counterfeiting in the First Degree, a Class C felony. Wolters and Gallo were released from jail without bail because the charges are considered non-bail eligible under current New York State law, meaning prosecutors cannot ask for, and judges cannot set bail. Wolters and Gallo are both due back in court on July 17, 2024, and are being represented by Matthew B. Tuohy, Esq.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Deirdre Horney of the Financial Crimes Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Kevin Braithwaite of the Suffolk County Police Department’s District Attorney Squad.

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