Woman charged with selling fake designer purses, 500 bags recovered
BY JOSH MCGHEE Staff Reporter July 7, 2012 6:24PM
At the 9th District Chicago Police Station, officers check over a conficated load of fake Gucci and other famous brand purses that were being sold as the real thing on Chicago's streets. | Al Podgorski
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A 43-year-old Cicero woman was arrested and charged with felony unlawful use of trademarks after Chicago Police discovered over 500 counterfeit bags and merchandise at a Southwest Side flea market.
Norma Rodriguez was part of the ruse that a tactical team busted with the help of neighbors, police said Saturday.
The illegal merchandise, which was sold at a flea market on South Ashland, was made to look like Coach, Luis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada, and Chanel products, Deering District Commander David Jarmusz said.
The purses were purchased at $15 and were sold at a higher rate of $40 to $50, police said.
The scheme left manufacturers with over $500,000 in lost revenue, Jarmusz said.
