KEMPNER, Texas — Multiple millions of dollars of counterfeit items with trademarks of well-known brands were seized during a search warrant connected to a law enforcement investigation in Kempner on Monday, Aug. 5.
According to the Kempner Police Department, the search warrant was investigating an ongoing investigation into the distribution of counterfeit trademarked goods. Kempner PD, the Texas Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol Division, Criminal Investigations Division, the Texas Rangers division and representatives from several trademark holders and intellectual property law experts carried out the operation.
An initial evaluation of the items seized from the 13700 block of US Highway 190--where the search warrant was executed--pointed to the total market value being above $3 million, however according to Kempner Mayor John "JW" Wilkerson, the market value of the items is closer to the $8 million mark.
"The sale and distribution of counterfeit goods pose serious risks to consumers and undermine the integrity of legitimate businesses," said Chief Rodriguez of the Kempner Police Department in a press release. "In most cases, criminal activity like this is often accompanied by drugs and the victimization of others by defrauding them or theft of their identity and/or financial documents. This case is no different. This operation underscores our commitment to protecting intellectual property and ensuring that those engaged in such illicit activities are brought to justice."
Johnathon Consejero, 37, and Chrezlee Cosejero, 33, of Kempner were arrested in connection to the discovered counterfeit items from the warrant but also for being in possession of several debit and credit cards that weren't issued to either of them. Narcotics were also found, according to Kempner PD.
According to the initial press release, the two are being charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance and Fraudulent Possession of Identifying Information. Police say additional charges are expected at a later time.
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