Alleged Designer-Goods Counterfeiter Shut Down

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, acting on a tip from a private investigator, Thursday shut down what authorities described as a full-service designer-goods counterfeiting operation, seizing an estimated $2.5 million worth of T-shirts and sweatshirts.

Four men, including one who allegedly operated a Gardena clothing shop where many of the goods were produced, were arrested on suspicion of counterfeiting registered trademarks. They were being held late Thursday at the Sheriff’s Department’s Norwalk station in lieu of $10,000 bail each.

The early-morning raids took place at eight locations throughout the county.

So sophisticated was the operation, authorities said, that many of the items were sealed in plastic bags with authentic-looking hangtags, making it hard for the average consumer to tell they were counterfeit.

Det. Richard Hiles said the apparel was most likely destined for overseas markets. Any sales in the Los Angeles area probably would have been at swap meets and flea markets, he said.

The private investigator, Kristopher T. Buckner, said most of the seized merchandise bore labels such as Nike, Stussy, Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger. Buckner works for Investigative Consultants, which was hired by about 20 designer clothing manufacturers to look into counterfeit operations.

Sheriff’s deputies identified the suspects as Michel Lochker, 46; Jalal Merchant, 40; Franklin Rossi, 58; and Reynaldo Alvarez, 48.