Troopers charge three in Oneida County with trademark counterfeiting

Utica, NY – State police seized more than $183,000 in counterfeit merchandise and charged three Oneida County residents after executing search warrants in and around Utica earlier this week. Francis M. Rotundo, 65, and John J. Meagher, 64, both of Utica, and Angela M. Topi, 47, of Rome, each was charged Wednesday with felony counts of second-degree trademark counterfeiting,...

Supplied photoFrancis Rotundo

Utica, NY – State police seized more than $183,000 in counterfeit merchandise and charged three Oneida County residents after executing search warrants in and around Utica earlier this week.

Francis M. Rotundo, 65, and John J. Meagher, 64, both of Utica, and Angela M. Topi, 47, of Rome, each was charged Wednesday with felony counts of second-degree trademark counterfeiting, troopers said. Meagher and Topi also were charged with fifth-degree conspiracy, a misdemeanor.

Supplied photoJohn Meagher

The arrests followed a nine-month investigation, troopers said. Using warrants, investigators Monday searched rental storage facilities in Utica, Schuyler and Westmoreland. There they seized suspected trademark counterfeit North Face apparel, Ugg boots, Coach handbags shoes, Dolce & Gabbana handbags and sunglasses and Louis Vuitton handbags, among other items and brands, troopers said.

Tuesday, investigators searched Meagher’s home at 16 Fairfax Place, Topi’s 7178 Oriskany Road residence and a home at 20 Court Knolle, New Hartford. From them they seized more merchandise and more than $7,000 in cash, troopers said.

Supplied photoAngela Topi

Rotundo’s 473 Roseclair Ave. home also was searched but nothing was seized, investigators said.

All three defendants were issued appearance tickets ordering them to appear in court next week, troopers said.

The investigation is continuing.