Sugahill Fashions manager arrested in counterfeit bust

ROANOKE RAPIDS — More than $5,000 in counterfeit shoes were seized from Sugahill Fashions Inc. Wednesday and store Manager Antonio Frederico Porch was arrested, charged with criminal use of a counterfeit trademark.

Halifax County Sheriff’s Office Agent Anzell Harris said he received information Sugahill was allegedly selling counterfeit merchandise. The department conducted a near month-long investigation leading to Wednesday’s seizure and arrest.

Lt. Chuck Hasty, of the Narcotics Unit, said agents seized more than 50 pairs of counterfeit shoes and boots from the store with a retail value of more than $5,000.

Police said Sugahill was selling allegedly counterfeit Nike Air Force I, Timberland Boots, Jordans and Nike Goadome just to name a few.

Hasty said the lack of quality in the counterfeit merchandise was easily detected, “It’s another case of consumer beware.”

Porch was placed in the Halifax County Detention Center under a $12,000 bond. His court date is Feb 3, 2010.

Porch returned to the store after posting bond, he told The Daily Herald the store will continue to operate normal business hours and would give no other comment.