Counterfeit bust at Hillsville Flea Market

Updated 6:05 p.m.
Ashley Roberts, WSLS Reporter

Ten large vendors got more than they bargained for at the Hillsville Flea Market when they were busted for selling counterfeit items.

The knock-offs range from fake designer key chains, hair clips and Coach and Chanel purses.

Investigators confiscated so many items they were able to fill a 40-foot cargo container.

“A lot of times you can tell,“ said Julius Morehead when asked about knock-offs. “If you look hard enough you can tell, especially with the price on it.“

Morehead’s wife, Alice, tells WSLS “I want the real deal.“

WSLS: “If it says it’s name brand, are you making sure you’re getting what you’re paying for?“

“Oh I do, I do,“ said another flea market goer.

State police worked with trade mark manufacturer representatives to determine the items were fake.

The vendors, whose names have not been released, face a felony charge for selling counterfeit goods with a value over $200.

Hillsville Police Chief Steve Williams tells WSLS the last time vendors were busted was in the 90’s. “If you go to the mall and they have sunglasses for $100 and you can buy them here for $5, I guarantee you they’re fake.“

State police targeted the large vendors at this year’s flea market and hope it will prevent them and others from trying to sell counterfeit items to customers again next year.

We’re told after the vendors were arrested and charged, they were free to return to the flea market to sell their *non-confiscated items.*
 
WSLS tried looking for those vendors, but they had already left Hillsville.