"Purse Man" Charged With Trafficking Counterfeit Goods

PHILADELPHIA – Lassana Nianghane, 52, of Philadelphia, PA, was charged by information, filed yesterday, with trafficking in counterfeit goods, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger. According to the information, Nianghane, also known as “the Purse Man,” sold counterfeit womens’ designer purses and counterfeit sneakers, among other items, on the sidewalk near Germantown and Chelten Avenues in Philadelphia PA.

According to the information, between September 2011 and June 2014, Nianghane intentionally trafficked in approximately $127,200 worth of goods and used counterfeit marks identical to and substantially indistinguishable from the shape and imprints found on genuine designer purses and sneakers.

If convicted, defendant Nianghane faces a maximum possible sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $2 million, a $100 special assessment and up to three years of supervised release.

The case was investigated by U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Floyd Miller.

An Information is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.