Man and Woman from Rapid City Guilty of Selling Counterfeit Items

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that two people from Rapid City appeared before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken on June 19, 2012, and pleaded guilty to Trafficking in Counterfeit Goods or Services. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years' imprisonment and/or a $2,000,000 fine.

Between February 2010 and August 2011, Bar Braver (age 29) and Ravaye Meltzer (age 34) intentionally sold counterfeit goods near Rapid City, Keystone, Deadwood, Hill City, and Sturgis. The sale of counterfeit goods violated the trademarks held by Monster Energy, Angry Birds, Hollister, The North Face, and Ed Hardy. The investigation was conducted by DHS/ICE Homeland Security Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins.

A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date was set for November 2, 2012. The defendants were released on bond pending sentencing.