Watch: Two Arrested for Trafficking $200k in Counterfeit Merchandise

Richland County, S.C. (WOLO) — Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott said Tuesday that this is the second time Michael and Shea Bradley have faced charges for trafficking counterfeit merchandise.

After authorities seized more than $200,000 in counterfeit goods from their shop last week, Lott is looking to make this a federal case.

Forty-five boxes filled with fake name brand items.

Sheriff Lott told reporters, “Counterfeit merchandise, a lot of times you think about flea markets. It’s not just at flea markets. A lot of stores will get the counterfeit merchandise and they sell it.”

This was the case at M & S Wholesale Clothing where Michael and Shea Bradley were arrested on July 6th and charged the with trafficking counterfeit merchandise.

According to Lott, “There’s a lot of money being lost by legitimate people and there’s a lot of money being made by these crooks that are out here ripping people off.”

The Midlands Gang Task Force seized $208,960 in counterfeit merchandise from the River Drive store.

The Richland County Sheriff said everyone is paying for the problem plaguing the area.

“These legitimate businesses and companies are losing money. They’re getting ripped off and they pass on that loss that they have to us as consumers,” he explained.

Although some shoppers seek out the fake fashion, he warned buyers to beware.

“Some people but it thinking it is the real stuff they think they’re getting a good deal and it’s the same thing that always happens. If the deal sounds too good to be true guess what… it’s not going to be true.”

Additionally the sheriff said some gang related issues are involved in this case however he would not go into detail.

Michael Bradley is also facing charges for possession and intent to distribute marijuana.