DELRAY BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — An 84-year-old man is accused of selling counterfeit designer items after more than $200,000 worth of counterfeit merchandise was seized from his store in Delray Beach.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) announced on Thursday that its investigators dismantled a counterfeit goods operation run by Ronald C. Axelrod, the owner of “Ronnie’s Shoes” at 6578 W Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach. The investigation, which began with a tip to Crime Stoppers, revealed Axelrod was selling counterfeit high-end designer handbags and accessories.
The investigation began on July 25, 2024, after an anonymous tip about counterfeit items at “Ronnie’s Shoes.” A PBSO deputy conducted an undercover operation on December 11, 2024, buying several counterfeit items from brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Goyard, Prada, and Hermes. Further undercover operations by a detective and other agents confirmed the sale of counterfeit goods at prices significantly lower than their Manufacturer Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP).
The counterfeit items included handbags and accessories from brands such as Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Chanel, and Prada, sold for $49 to $150, while their MSRP ranged from $1,070 to $4,500, according to the arrest report. Expert brand representatives confirmed the items were counterfeit, with Louis Vuitton providing an affidavit verifying the fraudulent nature of the goods.
See also: Palm Beach Co. school district worker arrested for child sex crimes
“Ronnie’s Shoes” was found to have no registered owners or active business licenses, according to the arrest report. Axelrod admitted to investigators to previously serving jail time for selling counterfeit items.
PBSO said on April 30, a search warrant was executed at Axelrod’s business, where $200,000 worth of counterfeit merchandise and $2,000 in cash were found, leading to his arrest. Axelrod waived his rights and was booked into the Palm Beach County Jail for selling counterfeit goods and engaging in business under a fictitious name without registration.
Find more ways to stay up to date with your latest local news. Sign up for our newsletter to get the day’s top headlines delivered right to your inbox. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for the biggest stories and can’t miss video.
This post was originally published on this site be sure to check out more of their content.
