WHITEVILLE, NC. (THECOUNT) — The NC Department of the Secretary of State Anti-Counterfeiting Task Force has announced the arrest of North Carolina woman, Carroll Ann Barnes, after the agency says they received multiple complaints about someone selling counterfeit items in Whiteville.
Columbus County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested Barnes, whose age was not provided, Monday, in a Big Lots parking lot after authorities say she was there to exchange counterfeit items with a buyer she had found on Facebook.
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After receiving an anonymous tip, investigators went to the Big Lots parking lot. They say they saw Barnes meeting people to exchange items. Investigators approached and found several totes and boxes with items inside.
Police say, it was at that time they learned Barnes was running an online business through Facebook and would offer items such as Beats headphones, designer purses, all counterfeit and all from overseas.
Investigators say the items were counterfeit. The NC Department of the Secretary of State Anti-Counterfeiting Task Force said the retail value of the 190 seized items was more than $18,500. source
Barnes was charged with one felony count of criminal use of counterfeit trademarks.