counterfeit investigation

24
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 7, 2007 Jim Rybicki Public Information Officer Phone: (703)842-4050 Fax: (703)549-5202 E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.usdoj.gov/usao/vae Eight Arrests in Multi-State Counterfeit Goods Trafficking Ring (Richmond, VA) – Eight arrests were made today in Virginia, West Virginia, Delaware, and New York, as part of a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) led investigation into trafficking in counterfeit goods and copyright infringement. The arrests were announced by Chuck Rosenberg, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; and Charles Cunningham, Special Agent-in-Charge, Richmond Division, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Abbas Chouman, age 43, of Astoria, New York, was indicted on March 6, 2007, and charged with conspiracy and trafficking in counterfeit clothing. Chouman was arrested today at his clothing store on West 27 th Street, New York, New York. According to the indictment, Chouman and his fellow conspirators operated a wholesale counterfeit clothing business under various names, offering fake “brand-name” goods at prices significantly lower than those charged by the holders of the trademarks in question. According to the indictment, trusted buyers could purchase counterfeit clothing in person at Chouman’s store. Buyers also ordered counterfeit clothing by telephone from Chouman, and received it via United Parcel Service shipments. Buyers throughout the United States paid C.O.D. for shipped counterfeit clothing with money orders they remitted to UPS. UPS, in turn, regularly deposited the proceeds of counterfeit clothing sales in a bank account held by Chouman’s business. In the period between December 1, 2004, and September 1, 2006, UPS deposited almost $19 million in payments in the account. The United States seeks to forfeit the contents of the account. Chouman faces 15 years in federal prison and $2,250,000 in fines if convicted on the charges. Chouman’s initial appearance was held today in the Southern District of New York. His arraignment will be held in Richmond on a date to be scheduled. Also arrested today was Ishoc Uthman Ibn-Abdus Salaam, age 26, of Pamplin, Virginia, who was indicted on March 6, 2007. The indictment charges that in August 2005, Salaam

Upload: alfuqraexposed

Post on 14-Oct-2014

767 views

Category:

Documents


3 download

DESCRIPTION

Research related to FBI investigation that broke up a counterfeit ring.

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: Counterfeit Investigation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 7, 2007 Jim Rybicki Public Information Officer Phone: (703)842-4050 Fax: (703)549-5202 E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.usdoj.gov/usao/vae

Eight Arrests in Multi-State Counterfeit Goods Trafficking Ring

(Richmond, VA) – Eight arrests were made today in Virginia, West Virginia, Delaware, and New York, as part of a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) led investigation into trafficking in counterfeit goods and copyright infringement. The arrests were announced by Chuck Rosenberg, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; and Charles Cunningham, Special Agent-in-Charge, Richmond Division, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Abbas Chouman, age 43, of Astoria, New York, was indicted on March 6, 2007, and charged with conspiracy and trafficking in counterfeit clothing. Chouman was arrested today at his clothing store on West 27th Street, New York, New York. According to the indictment, Chouman and his fellow conspirators operated a wholesale counterfeit clothing business under various names, offering fake “brand-name” goods at prices significantly lower than those charged by the holders of the trademarks in question.

According to the indictment, trusted buyers could purchase counterfeit clothing in person

at Chouman’s store. Buyers also ordered counterfeit clothing by telephone from Chouman, and received it via United Parcel Service shipments. Buyers throughout the United States paid C.O.D. for shipped counterfeit clothing with money orders they remitted to UPS. UPS, in turn, regularly deposited the proceeds of counterfeit clothing sales in a bank account held by Chouman’s business. In the period between December 1, 2004, and September 1, 2006, UPS deposited almost $19 million in payments in the account. The United States seeks to forfeit the contents of the account. Chouman faces 15 years in federal prison and $2,250,000 in fines if convicted on the charges. Chouman’s initial appearance was held today in the Southern District of New York. His arraignment will be held in Richmond on a date to be scheduled.

Also arrested today was Ishoc Uthman Ibn-Abdus Salaam, age 26, of Pamplin, Virginia,

who was indicted on March 6, 2007. The indictment charges that in August 2005, Salaam

Page 2: Counterfeit Investigation

trafficked in counterfeit clothing. Salaam could be sentenced to ten years in federal prison and fined $2,000,000 if convicted.

Agents also arrested six others on two complaints charging conspiracies to traffic in counterfeit goods. In one case, Ronald Roundtree, age 51, of Lynchburg, Virginia; Terri Singleton, age 34, of Beckley, West Virginia, and William Statts, age 37, of Harrington, Delaware, were charged with conspiracy to traffic in counterfeit clothing, including jerseys and jeans, sneakers, and pirated movies and music.

The second criminal complaint alleges a conspiracy to sell pirated movies and music subject to copyright. Agents arrested Eric Harmon, age 40, of Richmond, Virginia; Cherubin Pierre, age 31, of Richmond, Virginia; and Ismail Haqq, age 32, of Meherrin, Virginia, on the conspiracy charge. According to the complaint, Harmon sold pirated versions of new-release movies from his store, The Big EZ, on Lombardy Street in Richmond.

The investigation of the cases and the arrests were conducted by the FBI, Virginia State Police, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, United States Secret Service, Internal Revenue Service, United States Marshals Service, Henrico County Police Department, Chesterfield County Police Department, and Richmond Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney John S. Davis; Special Assistant U.S. Attorney and Assistant Virginia Attorney General Matthew C. Ackley; and, Senior Counsel Scott L. Garland, Department of Justice, Criminal Division, Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, are prosecuting the cases on behalf of the United States.

All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

# # #

Page 3: Counterfeit Investigation

FBI busts counterfeit clothing, DVD ring WSLS NewsChannel 10 Wednesday, March 7, 2007 The FBI busts a national counterfeit clothing and DVD ring, with ties to Virginia.

The bureau made eight arrests. One of those arrested is Ronald Roundtree, a Lynchburg man who federal agents say was one of the people involved in the counterfeit clothing ring.

Read the full release from the U.S. Attorney's Office below:

Eight arrests were made today in Virginia, West Virginia, Delaware, and New York, as part of a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) led investigation into trafficking in counterfeit goods and copyright infringement. The arrests were announced by Chuck Rosenberg, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; and Charles Cunningham, Special Agent-in-Charge, Richmond Division, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Abbas Chouman, age 43, of Astoria, New York, was indicted on March 6, 2007, and charged with conspiracy and trafficking in counterfeit clothing. Chouman was arrested today at his clothing store on West 27th Street, New York, New York. According to the indictment, Chouman and his fellow conspirators operated a wholesale counterfeit clothing business under various names, offering fake "brand-name" goods at prices significantly lower than those charged by the holders of the trademarks in question.

According to the indictment, trusted buyers could purchase counterfeit clothing in person at Chouman's store. Buyers also ordered counterfeit clothing by telephone from Chouman, and received it via United Parcel Service shipments. Buyers throughout the United States paid C.O.D. for shipped counterfeit clothing with money orders they remitted to UPS. UPS, in turn, regularly deposited the proceeds of counterfeit clothing sales in a bank account held by Chouman's business. In the period between December 1, 2004, and September 1, 2006, UPS deposited almost $19 million in payments in the account. The United States seeks to forfeit the contents of the account. Chouman faces 15 years in federal prison and $2,250,000 in fines if convicted on the charges. Chouman's initial appearance was held today in the Southern District of New York. His arraignment will be held in Richmond on a date to be scheduled.

Also arrested today was Ishoc Uthman Ibn-Abdus Salaam, age 26, of Pamplin, Virginia, who was indicted on March 6, 2007. The indictment charges that in August 2005, Salaam

trafficked in counterfeit clothing. Salaam could be sentenced to ten years in federal prison and fined $2,000,000 if convicted.

Agents also arrested six others on two complaints charging conspiracies to traffic in counterfeit goods. In one case, Ronald Roundtree, age 51, of Lynchburg, Virginia; Terri Singleton, age 34, of Beckley, West Virginia, and William Statts, age 37, of Harrington, Delaware, were charged with conspiracy to traffic in counterfeit clothing, including jerseys and jeans, sneakers, and pirated movies and music.

The second criminal complaint alleges a conspiracy to sell pirated movies and music subject to copyright. Agents arrested Eric Harmon, age 40, of Richmond, Virginia; Cherubin Pierre, age 31, of Richmond, Virginia; and Ismail Haqq, age 32, of Meherrin, Virginia, on the conspiracy charge. According to the complaint, Harmon sold pirated versions of new-release movies from his store, The Big EZ, on Lombardy Street in Richmond.

The investigation of the cases and the arrests were conducted by the FBI, Virginia State Police, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, United States Secret Service, Internal Revenue Service, United States Marshals Service, Henrico County Police Department, Chesterfield County Police Department, and Richmond Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney John S. Davis; Special Assistant U.S. Attorney and Assistant Virginia Attorney General Matthew C. Ackley; and, Senior Counsel Scott L. Garland, Department of Justice, Criminal Division,

Page 1 of 2Printer-Friendly Version

3/9/2007http://www.wsls.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=Common%2FMGArticle%2FPrintVersion&c=MGArticl...

Page 4: Counterfeit Investigation

Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, are prosecuting the cases on behalf of the United States.

All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

This story can be found at: http://www.wsls.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=WSLS%2FMGArticle%2FSLS_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1149193578219&path=!news!localnews

Go Back

Page 2 of 2Printer-Friendly Version

3/9/2007http://www.wsls.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=Common%2FMGArticle%2FPrintVersion&c=MGArticl...

Page 5: Counterfeit Investigation

previous page

From WSET: FBI Raids Area Stores For Fake Goods Location: Across the ABC 13 Viewing Area Reporter: Jeremy Posted: March 07, 2007 11:49 PM EST URL: http://new.wset.com/news/stories/0307/403614.html

Across the ABC 13 Viewing Area - FBI Agents were swarming around a Lynchburg business Wednesday afternoon as part of a multi-state raid. The Feds tell us they've busted up a ring of people selling fake goods. They made eight arrests in West Virginia, Delaware, New

York and including two here in our region, Pamplin and Lynchburg. Agents were at the Z-Market pulling out the evidence and they've charged Ronald Roundtree of Lynchburg with conspiracy to traffic in counterfeit goods including jerseys, jeans, sneakers, and pirated movies and music. We've learned Roundtree operated a booth outside of the Z-Market. But FBI agents have been going through the store as well. The raid started around 3:15 Wednesday afternoon and it was very intense with federal, state and local police swarming the area, many with drawn automatic weapons. They wrapped up after about 2 and a half hours and before they left, we did see several boxes of evidence loaded into government vehicles. Agents also raided Roundtree's house on the corner of 11th Street and Polk Street at the same time. At that location, they also confiscated boxes of evidence. 26 year old Ishoc Uthman Ibn-Abdus Salaam of Pamplin is charged with trafficking in counterfeit clothing. He could be sentenced to ten years in federal prison and fined $2-million. Copyright 2007 WSET, Inc.

Page 1 of 1WSET News

3/10/2007http://www.wset.com/printarticle.hrb?a=p&f=n&s=403614&f1=loc&stat=wset

Page 6: Counterfeit Investigation

previous page

From WSET: Update: FBI Raids For Fake Goods Location: Lynchburg, VA Reporter: Courtney Posted: March 08, 2007 11:35 PM EST URL: http://new.wset.com/news/stories/0307/403986.html

Lynchburg, VA - A Lynchburg man is facing up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. FBI agents arrested 51-year-old Ronald Roundtree Wednesday. They say he was involved in a counterfeit goods trafficking ring. The US Attorney's Office won't say how they got the tip that

led them to Roundtree. Wednesday, agents took material from his home - and from the Z-market on Park Street. Roundtree sold things from a booth in front of the store. Investigators say it was counterfeit jerseys, jeans, and sneakers, and pirated movies and music. Roundtree is one of eight men arrested in several states. Copyright 2007 WSET, Inc.

Page 1 of 1WSET News

3/10/2007http://www.wset.com/printarticle.hrb?a=p&f=n&s=403986&f1=loc&stat=wset

Page 7: Counterfeit Investigation

Four Men Charged In Counterfeit Clothing Operation WNBC-TV

NEW YORK - The FBI arrested a New York man Wednesday for operating a wholesale counterfeit clothing business, authorities said. Abbas Chouman, 43, of Astoria, Queens was arrested at his clothing store on West 27th Street in Manhattan. Chouman and four others are charged with conspiracy and trafficking in counterfeit clothing including jerseys, jeans and sneakers.

The others were arrested in Virginia, West Virginia and Delaware.

According to court papers, counterfeit clothing could be purchased in person at Chouman's store or ordered by phone and delivered via United Parcel Service shipments. Between December, 2004 and September, 2006, almost $19 million was deposited in Chouman's bank account as a result of the counterfeit clothing sales.

FBI agents also executed a federal search warrant at Chouman's store.

In a separate criminal complaint, three others were charged with conspiracy to sell pirated movies and music subject to copyright. All three arrests occurred in Virginia.

Chouman faces 15 years in jail and $2,250,000 in fines if convicted.

More News From wnbc.com:

N.J. Man Accused Of Bilking Cisco Out Of $10M

What To Do If Fire Breaks Out In Your Home

Former U.S. Navy Sailor Charged With Helping Terrorists

Secret Service Warns Of Counterfeit Bills In NYC Area

Bronx Fire Blamed On Space Heater Cord

URL: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17507129/

© 2007 MSNBC.com

MSNBC.com

Page 1 of 1Four Men Charged In Counterfeit Clothing Operation - News - MSNBC.com

3/10/2007http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17507129/print/1/displaymode/1098/

Page 8: Counterfeit Investigation

Raid by FBI nets arrest By Carrie J. Sidener [email protected] Wednesday, March 7, 2007 A Lynchburg man was one of eight arrested Wednesday from four states as part of an FBI-led investigation into trafficking in counterfeit goods and copyright infringement.

Ronald Roundtree, 51, was arrested and charged with conspiracy to traffic in counterfeit clothing - including jerseys, jeans, sneakers and pirated movies and music, according to a news release issued by the United States Attorney’s Office in Richmond late Wednesday afternoon.

FBI agents and police officers confiscated boxes from the Z-Market at 1401 Park Ave. in Lynchburg. Officers left the scene shortly before 6 p.m.

An employee at the store declined to comment on the raid, saying the store was closed and he didn’t know when it would reopen even though the open sign was lit and customers were making purchases in the store.

Further details on the arrest were not available and the U.S. Attorney’s Office spokesperson could not be reached for comment.

A Delaware man and a West Virginia resident also were arrested on the same complaint.

Wednesday’s arrests also included a Pamplin man. Ishoc Uthman Ibn-Abdus Salaam, 26, has been charged with trafficking in counterfeit clothing in August 2005, according to the news release. He could face 10 years in prison and a $2 million fine if convicted on the charge.

In another complaint three others Virginia residents were arrested on charges of conspiracy to sell pirated movies and music that were protected by copyright - Eric Harmon, 40, of Richmond; Cherubin Pierre, 31, of Richmond; and Ismail Haqq, 32, of Meherrin.

That complaint alleges Harmon sold pirated versions of newly released movies in his store on Lombardy Street in Richmond, the news release said.

Another arrest was made Wednesday in New York.

Abbas Chouman, 43, of Astoria, N.Y., was charged with conspiracy and trafficking in counterfeit clothing, the release said. Chouman’s indictment indicates he and others cooperated a wholesale counterfeit clothing business offering clothing that was supposedly brand name at significantly reduced prices. The products were fakes, the news release said.

The release also said buyers ordered the counterfeit goods and paid for the items with cash on delivery through UPS. Over about 2 years, almost $19 million was deposited in a payment account.

Chouman could face 15 years in prison and $2.25 million in fines if convicted.

This story can be found at: http://www.newsadvance.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=LNA%2FMGArticle%2FLNA_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1149193586687&path=!news!archive

Go Back

Page 1 of 1Printer-Friendly Version

3/9/2007http://www.newsadvance.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=Common%2FMGArticle%2FPrintVersion&c=...

Page 9: Counterfeit Investigation

Few details released in FBI-led investigation By Carrie J. Sidener [email protected] Thursday, March 8, 2007 An official with the U.S. Attorney’s Office said Thursday additional information about the arrest of a Lynchburg man following an FBI-led investigation into the trafficking of counterfeit goods and copyright infringement would not be released until next week. Ronald Roundtree, 51, was arrested Wednesday and charged with conspiracy to traffic in counterfeit clothing - including jerseys, jeans, sneakers and pirated movies and music - according to a U.S. Attorney’s Office news release. Roundtree and four others arrested in Virginia as part of the four-state investigation made their first court appearance Thursday morning. Once Roundtree and the others have their preliminary hearing scheduled for early next week, further details of the investigation can be released, said Jim Rybicki, public information officer for the U.S. Attorney’s Office. “I can’t clear up anything,” Rybicki said Thursday morning of the case. Rybicki said if convicted, Roundtree could face five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He may also face additional charges, Rybicki said. FBI agents and police officers confiscated boxes from the Z-Market at 1401 Park Ave. in Lynchburg on Wednesday. Officers left the scene shortly before 6 p.m. Rybicki did say Thursday that the arrests - eight total in Virginia, West Virginia, Delaware and New York - all stem from the same investigation that began with the Richmond office of the FBI. A Delaware man and a West Virginia resident also were arrested on the same complaint as Roundtree, he said. Wednesday’s arrests included a Pamplin man. Ishoc Uthman Ibn-Abdus Salaam, 26, has been charged with trafficking in counterfeit clothing in August 2005, according to the news release. He could face 10 years in prison and a $2 million fine if convicted on the charge. In another complaint, three other Virginia residents were arrested on charges of conspiracy to sell pirated movies and music that were protected by copyright - Eric Harmon, 40, of Richmond; Cherubin Pierre, 31, of Richmond; and Ismail Haqq, 32, of Meherrin. The news release said the complaint against Harmon alleges he sold pirated versions of newly released movies in his store on Lombardy Street in Richmond. Another arrest was made Wednesday in New York. Abbas Chouman, 43, of Astoria, N.Y., was charged with conspiracy and trafficking in counterfeit clothing, the release said. Chouman’s indictment indicates he and others cooperated a wholesale counterfeit clothing business offering clothing that was supposedly brand name but was not at significantly reduced prices. The release also said buyers ordered the counterfeit goods and paid for the items with cash on delivery through UPS. Over about 2 years, almost $19 million was deposited in a payment account. Chouman could face 15 years in prison and $2.25 million in fines if convicted.

This story can be found at: http://www.newsadvance.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=LNA%2FMGArticle%2FLNA_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1173350109107&path=!news!archive

Go Back

Page 1 of 1Printer-Friendly Version

3/9/2007http://www.newsadvance.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=Common%2FMGArticle%2FPrintVersion&c=...

Page 10: Counterfeit Investigation

Saturday, March 10, 2007 Search

Home

News

Weather

Sports

Traffic & Travel

12 About Town

On Your Side

News Plus

About NBC 12

Two Richmond men charged with counterfeiting

By Tara Morgan, NBC12 News Two Richmond men are among eight people in four states named in a federal indictment on charges of counterfeiting. They could be in court as early as today. Kenneth Ross wasn’t sure about taking his usual path home past the Big EZ store on Lombardy Street Wednesday. Heavily armed Virginia State Police officers were keeping watch as FBI agents carried box after box out of the business. “I don’t know what to say about this, though. It’s just too close to my home,” Ross said. From what we could tell, everything from sunglasses to video games and clothing could be bought at the store, but federal authorities say not everything for sale was legal. According to a federal indictment, 40-year-old Eric Harmon illegally sold pirated versions of new-release movies there. He’s charged with conspiracy along with another Richmond man, 31-year-old Cherubin Pierre. Both Richmond men were among eight people arrested in Virginia, West Virginia, Delaware and New York in a counterfeit trafficking ring. Federal authorities say the New York suspect operated a wholesale business that illegally sold counterfeit clothing and shipped the items to trusted buyers throughout the United States. The indictment alleges that Abbas Chouman collected nearly $19 million in just under two years. In North Richmond, Ross and others who work nearby say Wednesday’s bust was the most activity they’ve ever seen at the store. “I come through every morning, come through every evening, but like I said, I’ve never seen anybody go in there. Never.” The New York City suspect is expected to be extradited to Richmond for a court appearance. (c) 2007. WWBT, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Story Created: Mar 8, 2007 at 7:41 AM EST Story Updated: Mar 9, 2007 at 12:16 PM EST

VIRGINIA NEWS

Copyright © 2007 WWBT Inc.

EEO

Privacy Policy

Advertise with WWBT

Powered by Broadcast Interactive Media.

Page 1 of 1NBC 12 - Virginia News - Two Richmond men charged with counterfeiting

3/10/2007http://www.nbc12.com/news/state/6373247.html

Page 11: Counterfeit Investigation

VIRGINIA NEWS

8 men in 4 states arrested in Va. counterfeiting investigation

03/08/2007

Associated Press

Five Virginia men, a New York clothing store owner and two others were arrested Wednesday on federal charges related to copyright infringement and trafficking in counterfeit goods, federal prosecutors said.

Abbas Chouman, 43 of Astoria, N.Y., was arrested at his store in New York City, according to Chuck Rosenberg, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia.

Chouman is accused in Tuesday's indictment of operating a counterfeit clothing business and offering fake brand-name goods at prices lower than those charged by retailers, a statement from Rosenberg's office said.

Chouman's business shipped nearly $19 million in counterfeit goods via UPS between 2004 and 2006, the statement said.

Chouman faces 15 years in prison and $2.25 million in fines if convicted.

Ishoc Uthman Ibn-Abdus Salaam, 26, of Pamplin, was charged with trafficking in counterfeit clothing and faces 10 years in prison and a $2 million fine if convicted, the statement said.

Ronald Roundtree, 51, of Lynchburg; Terri Singleton, 34, of Beckley, W.Va.; and William Statts, 37, or Harrington, Del., were charged with conspiracy to traffic in counterfeit clothing and pirated movies and music, the statement said.

Eric Harmon, 40, of Richmond; Cherubin Pierre, 31, of Richmond; and Ismail Haqq, 32, of Meherrin, were charged with conspiracy to sell pirated movies and music, the statement said. Harmon is accused of selling pirated versions of new release movies from his Richmond store.

The indictments were the result of an investigation that originated in Richmond, said James Rybicki, a spokesman for Rosenberg's office. All individuals arrested will be arraigned in Richmond, he said.

Page 1 of 1VIRGINIA NEWS | WVEC.com | News for Hampton Roads, Virginia

3/10/2007http://www.wvec.com/sharedcontent/APStories/stories/D8NNO5UO0.html

Page 12: Counterfeit Investigation

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS March 8, 2007, 1:06PM EST

W.Va. woman charged in counterfeit probe RICHMOND, VA.

A West Virginia woman, a New York clothing store owner and six other people have been arrested on federal charges related to

copyright infringement and trafficking in counterfeit goods, federal prosecutors said.

Abbas Chouman, 43 of Astoria, N.Y., was arrested Wednesday at his store in New York City, according to Chuck Rosenberg,

U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia.

Chouman is accused in Tuesday's indictment of operating a counterfeit clothing business and offering fake brand-name goods at

prices lower than those charged by retailers, a statement from Rosenberg's office said.

Chouman's business shipped nearly $19 million in counterfeit goods via UPS between 2004 and 2006, the statement said.

Chouman faces 15 years in prison and $2.25 million in fines if convicted.

Ishoc Uthman Ibn-Abdus Salaam, 26, of Pamplin, was charged with trafficking in counterfeit clothing and faces 10 years in prison

and a $2 million fine if convicted, the statement said.

Ronald Roundtree, 51, of Lynchburg; Terri Singleton, 34, of Beckley, W.Va.; and William Statts, 37, of Harrington, Del., were

charged with conspiracy to traffic in counterfeit clothing and pirated movies and music, the statement said.

Eric Harmon, 40, of Richmond; Cherubin Pierre, 31, of Richmond; and Ismail Haqq, 32, of Meherrin, were charged with

conspiracy to sell pirated movies and music, the statement said. Harmon is accused of selling pirated versions of new release

movies from his Richmond store.

The indictments were the result of an investigation that originated in Richmond, said James Rybicki, a spokesman for

Rosenberg's office. All individuals arrested will be arraigned in Richmond, he said.

Copyright 2000-2007 by The McGraw-Hill Companies Inc. All rights reserved.

Page 1 of 1W.Va. woman charged in counterfeit probe

3/10/2007http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D8NO51GO0.htm

Page 13: Counterfeit Investigation

Man faces charges of selling knockoffs Authorities say store in Richmond part of counterfeit goods ring BY JIM NOLAN TIMES-DISPATCH STAFF WRITER Friday, March 9, 2007 RELATED: Police Beat

Richmond's Big EZ may have been a bit sleazy when it comes to the movies it sells, federal prosecutors say.

Authorities say the store, on Lombardy Street near Chamberlayne Avenue in North Richmond, sold pirated versions of new-release movies as part of a $19 million, multistate counterfeit goods ring.

Big EZ owner Eric Harmon, 40, was one of two Richmond men arrested in connection with the ring that authorities say also sold fake brand-name clothing and pirated music. Three other Virginians and suspects in New York, Delaware and West Virginia also were charged.

A visit to Big EZ yesterday found the doors locked and the shades drawn. The sign above the business in the rundown commercial strip boasted: "My deal, your steal."

The arrests were announced Wednesday by Chuck Rosenberg, U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and grew out of a two-year investigation by federal, state and local authorities.

The indictment Tuesday of Abbas Chouman, 43, of Astoria, N.Y., accuses him of running a wholesale counterfeit clothing ring out of his store on West 27th Street in New York City, offering bogus brand-name clothing at prices well below what the authentic articles cost.

The indictment says Chouman distributed the faux fashions to purchasers via United Parcel Service shipments. He faces 15 years in prison and $2.25 million in fines if convicted.

In related actions, authorities indicted Ishoc Uthman Ibn-Abdus Salaam, 26, of Pamplin, near Farmville, of trafficking in counterfeit clothing. He faces up to 10 years in prison and $2 million in fines if convicted.

Ronald Roundtree, 51, of Lynchburg was arrested on two complaints charging conspiracy to traffic in counterfeit goods.

In addition to Harmon, Richmonder Cherubin Pierre, 31, and Ismail Haqq, 32, of Meherrin in Lunenburg County, were arrested on a separate criminal complaint of conspiracy to sell pirated movies and music subject to copyright.

Contact staff writer Jim Nolan at [email protected] or (804) 649-6061.

This story can be found at: http://www.infoition.com/scripts/webnews/index.cfm?id=30264

Go Back

Page 1 of 1Printer-Friendly Version

3/9/2007http://www.timesdispatch.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=Common%2FMGArticle%2FPrintVersion&c=...

Page 14: Counterfeit Investigation

Commonwealth of Virginia

State

Corporation Commission

Enter

Signoff

Help

Print

WEB#469 CIS 03/09/07 TCP00000 CISM0180 CORPORATE DATA INQUIRY 23:25:12

CORP ID: 0661734 - 4 STATUS: 00 ACTIVE STATUS DATE: 07/17/06

CORP NAME: Z-MARKET, INC

DATE OF CERTIFICATE: 07/17/2006 PERIOD OF DURATION: INDUSTRY CODE: 00 STATE OF INCORPORATION: VA VIRGINIA STOCK INDICATOR: S STOCK MERGER IND: CONVERSION/DOMESTICATION IND: GOOD STANDING IND: Y MONITOR INDICATOR: CHARTER FEE: 50.00 CASE NO: CASE STATUS: HEARING DTE: R/A NAME: FIRAS M ALQUBLAN STREET: 1401 PARK AVE AR RTN MAIL: CITY: LYNCHBURG STATE : VA ZIP: 24501 R/A STATUS: D DIRECTOR EFF. DATE: 07/17/06 LOC.: 210 ACCEPTED AR#: 000 00 0000 DATE: LYNCHBURG CITY CURRENT AR#: 000 00 0000 DATE: STATUS: ASSESSMENT INDICATOR: 0 YEAR FEES PENALTY INTEREST TAXES BALANCE TOTAL SHARES 00 100

COMMAND: ...................................................................

NOTE: Function Key usage varies depending on the Application Screen. For specifics, refer to Function Key Documentation.

Page 1 of 1Virginia State Corporation Commission

3/9/2007http://s0302.vita.virginia.gov/servlet/resqportal/resqportal

Page 15: Counterfeit Investigation

Commonwealth of Virginia

State

Corporation Commission

Enter

Signoff

Help

Print

WEB#786 CIS 03/11/07 TCP00010 CISM0180 CORPORATE DATA INQUIRY 23:14:17

CORP ID: 0629539 - 8 STATUS: 10 TERM(AUTO AR/$) STATUS DATE: 05/31/06

CORP NAME: BIG E-Z, Inc.

DATE OF CERTIFICATE: 01/05/2005 PERIOD OF DURATION: INDUSTRY CODE: 00 STATE OF INCORPORATION: VA VIRGINIA STOCK INDICATOR: S STOCK MERGER IND: CONVERSION/DOMESTICATION IND: GOOD STANDING IND: N TERM(AUTO AR MONITOR INDICATOR: CHARTER FEE: 50.00 CASE NO: CASE STATUS: HEARING DTE: R/A NAME: ERIC D HARMON STREET: 2536 N LOMBARDY ST AR RTN MAIL: CITY: RICHMOND STATE : VA ZIP: 23222 R/A STATUS: D DIRECTOR EFF. DATE: 01/05/05 LOC.: 216 ACCEPTED AR#: 000 00 0000 DATE: RICHMOND CITY CURRENT AR#: 000 00 0000 DATE: STATUS: ASSESSMENT INDICATOR: 0 YEAR FEES PENALTY INTEREST TAXES BALANCE TOTAL SHARES 06 100.00 10.00 110.00 500

COMMAND: ...................................................................

NOTE: Function Key usage varies depending on the Application Screen. For specifics, refer to Function Key Documentation.

Page 1 of 1Virginia State Corporation Commission

3/11/2007http://s0302.vita.virginia.gov/servlet/resqportal/resqportal

Page 16: Counterfeit Investigation

1Front view of Big EZ store, 2536 N. Lombardy St., Richmond, VA

2FrontFront view of Big EZ store in Richmond

Page 17: Counterfeit Investigation

3Front

Big EZ store sign in Richmond

4West view of Big EZ store

Page 18: Counterfeit Investigation

5

Eastview ofBig EZStore inRichmond

6North view of Big EZ store in Richmond

Page 19: Counterfeit Investigation

7

South view of Big EZ store in Richmond

8

Map of area near Big EZ store in Richmond

Page 20: Counterfeit Investigation

Presented by the Federal Election Commission

Individual Contributions Arranged By Type, Giver, Then Recipient

Contributions to Political Committees CHOUMAN, ABBAS MR. ASTORIA, NY 11103

CHOUMAN, ABBAS MR. ASTORIA, NY 11103 GIZMO WEAR/PRESIDENT

CHOUMAN, ABBAS S ASTORIA, NY 11103 GIZMOWEAR/OWNER/PRESIDENT

CHOUMAN, ABBAS SALMAN ASTORIA, NY 11103 GIZMOWEAR

CHOUMAN, ABBAS SALMAN

REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE08/28/2006 500.00 2693039105410/24/2006 300.00 26940834222

REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE12/14/2006 200.00 27930097003

NATIONAL REPUBLICAN SENATORIAL COMMITTEE11/28/2005 500.00 2502053175303/13/2006 500.00 2602029282603/14/2006 500.00 2602029282704/12/2006 500.00 2602033094405/25/2006 500.00 2602037056210/11/2006 500.00 26020931623

NATIONAL REPUBLICAN SENATORIAL COMMITTEE07/14/2004 15000.00 2402066114310/22/2004 500.00 2402104056310/29/2004 500.00 2402104056304/29/2005 500.00 2502022055006/17/2005 900.00 2502032192706/20/2005 750.00 2502032192707/26/2005 350.00 25020351592

Page 1 of 2FEC Individual Contribution Search Results

3/10/2007http://query.nictusa.com/cgi-bin/qind/

Page 21: Counterfeit Investigation

ASTORIA, NY 11103 GIZMOWEAR/OWNER

Total Contributions: 22800.00

Joint Fundraising Contributions These are contributions to committees who are raising funds to be distributed to other committees. The breakdown of these contributions to their final recipients may appear below CHOUMAN, ABBAS SALMAN MR. ASTORIA, NY 11103 GIZMOWEAR/PRESIDENT

Total Joint Fundraising: 500.00 TRY A: NEW QUERY RETURN TO: FEC HOME PAGE

VOLUNTEER PAC04/23/2006 300.00 26950127837

2005 PRESIDENTS DINNER COMMITTEE10/06/2005 500.00 25971531555

Page 2 of 2FEC Individual Contribution Search Results

3/10/2007http://query.nictusa.com/cgi-bin/qind/

Page 22: Counterfeit Investigation

Richmond Weekly Schedule for 03/12/2007 to 03/16/2007

Note: Court schedules are updated every two hours from 7:30 am to 9:30 pm on weekdays. Last Update: 03-09-2007 at 09:28 pm.

Go Back

A motion for attorney admission cannot be made at the time scheduled for a jury trial, pretrial or final pretrial conference, settlement conference, or before a U.S. Magistrate Judge.

Date Time Judge Case Title Purpose Parties

03/12/07 9:00 am

Spencer 3:2007 cr85

USA vs Myers Arraignment David Meyers

03/12/07 9:15 am Spencer 3:2006

cr341 USA vs Collins Sentencing Anthony Collins

03/12/07 9:30 am Payne 3:2006

cr324 USA vs Abdeen Sentencing Hasan Abdeen

03/12/07 9:30 am Spencer 3:2007

cr83 USA vs White Arraignment Gary White

03/12/0710:00

am Payne3:2003 cr402 USA vs Howard

Revocation Superv Rls William Howard

03/12/0710:00

am Spencer3:2006 cr343 USA vs Brooks Jury Trial Terrell Brooks

03/12/07 11:00 am

Hudson 3:2007 cr88

USA vs Cabrera Arraignment Amado Cabrera

03/12/07 2:00 pm Payne 3:2005

cv103 Linares vs First Equity Card Omnibus Hearing All

03/12/07 2:00 pm Hudson 3:2007

cr19 USA vs Bayona Arraignment Romer Bayona

03/12/07 2:00 pm Dohnal 3:2007

cr62 USA vs Warren Detention Hearing Antoine Warren

03/12/072:00

pm Dohnal3:2007

cr62 USA vs Warren Arraignment Antoine Warren

03/12/072:30

pm Spencer3:2006 cr506 USA vs Fields

Plea Agreement Hearing Andre Fields

03/13/07 8:30 am

Dohnal 3:2007 cr63

USA vs Smith Bond Hearing Willie Smith

03/13/07 9:00 am Hudson 3:2007

cr63 USA vs Smith Arraignment Willie Smith

03/13/07 9:00 am Hudson 3:2007

cr73 USA vs Bradby Plea Agreement Hearing Charles Bradby

03/13/07 9:30 am Spencer 3:2006

cr519 USA vs McDaniel Plea Agreement Hearing Kelvin McDaniel

Page 1 of 3Court Schedule

3/11/2007http://www.vaed.uscourts.gov/schedule/weeklyrich.html

Page 23: Counterfeit Investigation

03/13/07 10:00 am

Hudson 3:2003 cr133

USA vs Johnson Revocation Superv Rls

Marcus Johnson

03/13/07 2:00 pm Hudson 3:2006

cr340 USA vs Davis Sentencing Blair Davis

03/13/07 2:00 pm Dohnal 3:2007

mj132 USA vs Roundtree Preliminary Examination Ronald Roundtree

03/13/07 2:30 pm Dohnal 3:2007

mj129 USA vs Pierre Preliminary Examination Cherubin Pierre

03/13/072:30

pm Dohnal3:2007 mj129 USA vs Harmon

Preliminary Examination Eric Harmon

03/13/073:00

pm Dohnal3:2007 mj136 USA vs Lindsey

Preliminary Examination Michael Lindsey

03/14/07 9:00 am

Bradberry 3:2003 cr192

USA vs Scott Preliminary Revocation Hearing

Gerald Scott

03/14/07 9:00 am Hudson 3:2005

cr159 USA vs Wesley Revocation Superv Rls John Wesley

03/14/07 9:00 am Hudson 3:2007

cr75 USA vs Ansari Arraignment Oshman Ansari

03/14/07 9:30 am Payne 3:2003

cr412 USA vs Taylor Revocation Superv Rls Lynn Taylor

03/14/079:30

am Dohnal3:2007

cr75 USA vs Ansari Bond Hearing Oshman Ansari

03/14/079:45

am Spencer3:2007

cr87 USA vs Martinez Arraignment Angel Martinez

03/14/07 10:00 am

Hudson 3:2007 cr66

USA vs Harris Arraignment Tawanda Harris

03/14/07 10:30 am Hudson 3:2007

cr89 USA vs Valerio Arraignment Luis Valerio

03/14/07 1:00 pm Spencer 3:2006

cr472 USA vs McDowney Plea Agreement Hearing Dorrell McDowney

03/14/07 2:00 pm Hudson 3:2007

cr39 USA vs Beard Arraignment Lontell Beard

03/14/073:00

pm Payne3:2006 cr465 USA vs Pryor Sentencing Chavon Pryor

03/15/079:00

am Hudson3:2007

cr78 USA vs Salaam Arraignment Ishoc Salaam

03/15/07 9:30 am

Hudson 3:2006 cr218

USA vs Cowles Plea Agreement Hearing

Jamar Cowles

03/15/07 9:30 am Payne 3:2006

cr504 USA vs Smith Jury Trial Rachel Smith

03/15/07 9:30 am Dohnal 3:2006

cv599 Butler vs Marsh Motion Hearing All

03/15/07 9:30 am Payne 3:2006

cv683The Martin Agency, Inc. vs For

Eyes Optical Co., Inc.Initial Pretrial Conference All

03/15/07 9:30 Hudson 3:2006 Allen vs Friendly Ice Cream Initial Pretrial All

Page 2 of 3Court Schedule

3/11/2007http://www.vaed.uscourts.gov/schedule/weeklyrich.html

Page 24: Counterfeit Investigation

am cv822 Corporation Conference

03/15/0710:00

am Payne3:2006 cv773

Landair Transport, Inc. vs Burgess Trucking Co., Inc.

Initial Pretrial Conference All

03/15/07 10:30 am

Payne 3:2007 cv55

Jackson vs Cockcroft Initial Conference All

03/15/07 10:45 am

Payne 3:2007 cv86

Caruthers vs Short Initial Pretrial Conference

All

03/15/07 1:30 pm Payne 3:2006

cr444 USA vs Hill Jury Trial James Hill

03/15/07 2:30 pm Hudson 3:2006

cr340 USA vs Smith Sentencing Wayne Smith

03/15/07 3:30 pm Dohnal 3:2007

cr92 USA vs Eni Arraignment Godwin Eni

03/16/079:00

am Payne3:2000 cr225 USA vs Martin Sentencing Curtis Martin

03/16/07 9:00 am

Hudson 3:2006 cr488

USA vs Shanklin Sentencing Blair Shanklin

03/16/07 9:30 am

Hudson 3:2006 cr269

USA vs Hollomon Sentencing William Hollomon

03/16/07 9:45 am Hudson 3:2006

cr385 USA vs Collins Sentencing Christopher Collins

03/16/07 10:00 am Hudson 3:2006

cr476 USA vs Watson Sentencing Ian Watson

03/16/07 10:30 am Payne 3:2006

cr362 USA vs Castaneda-Munoz Sentencing Julian Castaneda-Munoz

03/16/0711:00

am Hudson3:2007

cr86 USA vs Gonzalez Arraignment Juan Gonzalez

03/16/0711:30

am Payne3:2003 cr115 USA vs Lynch

Revocation Superv Rls Timothy Lynch

03/16/07 11:30 am

Payne 3:2006 cr355

USA vs Taylor Sentencing David Taylor

03/16/07 1:30 pm Payne 3:2006

cv558Duncan vs Experian Information

Solutions, Inc. Motion Hearing All

03/16/07 2:00 pm Dohnal 3:2006

cr392 USA vs Brown Arraignment Dante Brown

Page 3 of 3Court Schedule

3/11/2007http://www.vaed.uscourts.gov/schedule/weeklyrich.html