3 charged in fake Bears gear scam

Chicago Police confiscated more than $250,000 in counterfeit Bears merchandise and arrested three men Sunday on the South Side.

Abdul Siddiq, 55, and Clark Osceola, 38 -- both of Los Angeles -- and Akbar Gregory, 44, of Las Vegas were taken into custody at the Skylark Hotel, 5435 S. Archer, and charged with possession and attempted sale of counterfeit merchandise.

Police also found $20,000 in cash.

Chicago Lawn District Sgt. Michael Fine, who has been working with representatives from the National Football League since the Bears went to the playoffs, said this was the biggest seizure this year.

"They were staying in the rooms, and we got them moving [the merchandise] from the room to trucks," Fine said.

The merchandise will be destroyed and the money held by police until the criminal investigation is completed.

ecepeda@suntimes.com