Organized Crime Sting Uncovers Hoard Of Designer Knockoffs Worth $119K

NEWBURGH, NY — Not all that glitters is gold, and not every pair of shoes with an iconic swoosh is Nike.

This week, the New York State Police Special Investigations Unit, along with the Troop F Community Stabilization Unit, Homeland Security Investigations and the Orange County Sheriff's Office, executed a search warrant at the BT/GT Family Halal Market, located on South Street in Newburgh.

The search warrant was part of an organized retail crime investigation into the sale of counterfeit consumer merchandise, according to the NYSP.

During the raid, investigators took 65-year-old Bobby R. Tillery into custody.

Police also seized approximately 480 suspected counterfeit items, including 205 pairs of Nike footwear and 127 Nike clothing items; Apple AirPods, headphones, battery packs, Apple TV devices and keyboards. Handbags, wallets, clothing, belts and accessories bearing the trademarks of Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Christian Dior Clothing, along with outerwear bearing the trademarks of Burberry, Versace, Lacoste, ALO, Dolce & Gabbana, Moncler and The North Face, were also seized, according to cops.

An investigator from IP House, a company that assists with the authentication of suspected counterfeit merchandise, was present during the search. The estimated total value of the seized goods is approximately $119,000, police said.

Tillery was taken to State Police Newburgh, where he was processed and charged with felony trademark counterfeiting. He was released on an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in the City of Newburgh Court on Aug. 27.

State police say the investigation is ongoing.