St. Louis, MO - SOUKEYE FOX of St. Louis County, was arrested this morning on charges of selling counterfeit goods bearing counterfeit trademarks of numerous clothing, purse and shoe manufacturers, including items bearing marks owned by Guru (True Religion Brand Jeans), Prada, Coach and numerous others, between 2008 and June 2012.

The charges are contained in an indictment that was filed yesterday but remained sealed until Fox’s arrest this morning. According to the indictment, Fox has owned and operated businesses located on West Florissant, Cherokee Street and the Frison Flea Market, wherein Fox routinely sold counterfeit goods, some which originated in China. Fox has also maintained an inventory of components for making counterfeit purses, including almost 6000 counterfeit purse labels that were designed and intended to be used in creating counterfeit goods.

Fox, also known as Soukeye Samb and Sue Fox, was indicted by a federal Grand Jury Thursday on one felony count of trafficking in counterfeit goods. The indictment was suppressed until the arrest of the defendant earlier today.

If convicted, this charge carries a maximum penalty of ten years in prison and/or fines up to $2 million. In determining the actual sentences, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.

This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and is part of a larger ongoing investigation into counterfeit goods. Assistant United States Attorneys John Bodenhausen and Jennifer Roy are handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

As is always the case, charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.