Oklahoma City Counterfeit Merchandise Bust Leads To Felony Charges Against Boutique Owners
- mike33692
- 9 hours ago
- 2 min read
Oklahoma City Counterfeit Merchandise Bust Leads To Felony Charges Against Boutique Owners
What looks like a luxury bargain could actually be funding organized crime. Two Oklahoma City boutique owners are facing felony charges after a Multi-County Grand Jury investigation uncovered more than $3 million worth of counterfeit luxury merchandise at two local businesses.
According to the Oklahoma Attorney General's Office, the indictments stem from separate investigations that resulted in the seizure of fake designer products bearing the names of some of the world's most recognizable luxury brands.
Attorney General Gentner Drummond said counterfeit merchandise not only deceives consumers but also supports criminal enterprises while harming legitimate businesses.
Both women are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Oklahoma City Counterfeit Merchandise Investigation Uncovers Millions In Fake Goods
The Oklahoma City counterfeit merchandise investigation led to the indictment of Denia Gainza Almaguer, 33, owner of Mohap Boutique, located at 1022 S.W. 59th Street.
According to investigators, authorities discovered more than $1 million in counterfeit luxury merchandise during the investigation.
The seized items allegedly displayed trademarks belonging to brands including Alexander McQueen, Alo, Balenciaga, Burberry, Cartier, Chanel, Christian Dior, and Fendi.
Almaguer has been indicted on one felony count of violating Oklahoma's Trademark Anti-Counterfeiting Act.
Additional information about the Oklahoma Attorney General's Office is available through the Oklahoma Attorney General.
Search Warrant Leads To Second Boutique Indictment
The investigation also resulted in charges against Yude Erlinda Arellanes Perez, 42, owner of Yude's Boutique and BrayKay Jewelry, located at 2843 S.W. 44th Street.
According to the Oklahoma City Police Department Vice Unit, investigators executed a search warrant at the business and recovered counterfeit products allegedly bearing the trademarks of Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Chanel, and Coach.
Authorities estimate the manufacturer's suggested retail value of those counterfeit goods at approximately $2 million.
Perez has been indicted on two felony counts of violating the Trademark Anti-Counterfeiting Act.
Additional information about Oklahoma court filings is available through the Oklahoma State Courts Network (OSCN).
Attorney General Says Counterfeit Sales Hurt Consumers And Businesses
Attorney General Gentner Drummond praised the work of the Multi-County Grand Jury and law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation.
Drummond said counterfeit luxury products do more than mislead consumers looking for designer merchandise.
He stated that the illegal sale of counterfeit goods helps finance criminal organizations while creating unfair competition for legitimate Oklahoma businesses that follow the law.
The Attorney General's Office emphasized that both defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they are convicted in a court of law.
Officials say investigations involving counterfeit merchandise remain an important part of protecting Oklahoma consumers and businesses from fraud.
Additional consumer protection information is available through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
As the criminal cases move through the Oklahoma court system, investigators say the case serves as a reminder for consumers to be cautious when purchasing luxury merchandise offered at prices that appear too good to be true.