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September 30, 2010

Missouri man pleads guilty to trafficking counterfeit goods

ST. LOUIS - A local man pleaded guilty Wednesday to trafficking in counterfeit luxury brand trademark items, including Nike, Chanel and Coach. The guilty plea resulted from an investigation conducted by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

Dirk Lee Robinson, 55, of St. Louis, pleaded guilty Sept. 29 in the Eastern District of Missouri to one felony count of trafficking in counterfeit goods.

Robinson admitted to selling a large variety of counterfeit goods, including numerous trademark clothing and shoe companies such as Nike, Chanel, Coach, Ed Hardy, LaCoste, Polo Ralph Lauren, Timberland and True Religion. Robinson sold the goods and merchandise though a retail sales business he owned and operated at his residence called "Jeans and Things."

Additionally, as part of his plea Robinson has agreed to forfeit the property used to facilitate the illegal activity or the property derived from the illegal activity. Subject to forfeiture is about $28,476 in cash, personal property consisting of counterfeit and stolen goods, and computer and electronic equipment. Sentencing has been set for Jan. 6, 2011.

Trafficking counterfeit goods carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and/or up to a $2 million fine.

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U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is the largest investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security.

ICE is a 21st century law enforcement agency with broad responsibilities for a number of key homeland security priorities. For more information, visit www.ICE.gov. To report suspicious activity, call 1-866-347-2423 or complete our tip form.