Patchogue couple charged with trafficking, possessing more than $1 million in counterfeit goods, police say

A Patchogue couple has been charged with trafficking counterfeit goods and possessing counterfeit merchandise worth more than $1 million, including counterfeit high-end bags and wallets, Suffolk authorities said.

Suffolk County police executed a search warrant at the Patchogue home and Holbrook office of Jennifer Wolters, 43, and Phillip Gallo, 47, on June 7. Along with members of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Postal Service, police seized more than $1. worth millions of dollars worth of “high-end paraphernalia,” according to the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office.

Police did not say how the merchandise was acquired or sold.

Photographs released by the prosecutor's office indicate that authorities seized dozens of glasses, tote bags and wallets, including a pair of bags emblazoned with “GG,” the Gucci logo.

“Legitimate commerce is a pillar of a healthy economy,” Suffolk District Attorney Raymond Tierney said in a statement. “The sale of counterfeit items harms legitimate businesses and affects consumer confidence, which in turn affects our economy.”

Matthew B. Tuohy, the Huntington-based defense attorney representing Wolters and Gallo, said the couple sold boutique items such as wallets and makeup from “nice brands” online.

“Right now, they maintain their innocence,” said Huntington-based defense attorney Matthew B. Tuohy. “They are running a worthwhile business and there appears to be a misunderstanding that we hope we can clear up. Both have no criminal record. I believe this is something that will be resolved.

Tuohy said he didn't know exactly how his customers acquired the merchandise, but said they sold the items to the “general public, mostly to people here on Long Island” and “seemed to have a number of very happy and satisfied customers.

Wolters and Gallo were arrested and arraigned on trademark infringement charges before Judge Jennifer Henry in Central Islip on Tuesday. Both were released without bail and are expected to return to court for a conference on July 17.