A large-scale fraud network involving counterfeit authentications and Jason Kelce memorabilia was discovered by Pennsylvania authorities.#News #Crime #Norristown, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaThree people are now facing criminal charges in Pennsylvania for allegedly selling counterfeit Jason Kelce memorabilia valued at an astounding $200,000, in a scam that has rocked the sports memorabilia industry. Authorities claim that in order to trick unwary collectors, the operation used phony authentications on more than 1,100 counterfeit goods purportedly signed by the former Philadelphia Eagles center.
Seven-Month Investigation Unveils Elaborate Scheme
Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele and Upper Merion Township Police Chief Blaine Leis made the announcement of the charges.
Among the defendants are Joseph Parenti, 39, of Cranston, Rhode Island; LeeAnn Branco, 43, of Bristol, Rhode Island; and Robert Capone, 51, of Philadelphia.
Authorities claim to have uncovered a complex scheme to take advantage of fans and collectors following a seven-month inquiry.
Authorities were alerted to fake artifacts connected to a private signing event that Jason Kelce had held at the Valley Forge Casino Hotel in June 2024. Kelce has done official signings for the sports memorabilia firm THC Humphreys LLC over the course of two days, on June 11 and 12. But not every item from that occasion that had his signature on it was genuine.
Over 1,100 Counterfeit Items Flood the Market
A total of 1,138 fake memorabilia items, including footballs, hats, jerseys, helmets, pictures, and more, were found by authorities. According to reports, these goods were offered for sale through two companies: Parenti’s Diamond Legends and Capone’s Overtime Promotions. Branco, a Beckett Authentication Services employee, fraudulently authenticated the counterfeit goods.
Investigators discovered that Branco and Parenti were present at the actual signing event, where Branco even posed for a picture with Kelce to support her false claims of authenticity. They then allegedly created a smokescreen of validity for their fraudulent company by using Branco’s credentials to authenticate fake memorabilia as authentic.
How the Fraud Was Exposed
When THC Humphreys LLC, the company that had hired Kelce for the formal signature, discovered inconsistencies, the plan fell apart. The business notified legal authorities, who promptly concluded that Professional Sports Authenticator had confirmed the authenticity of the event’s merchandise. However, there was no connection between the official autographs and the fake memorabilia.
Multiple Felony Charges Filed
Forgery, theft by deceit, trading in the proceeds of illegal acts, and dishonest business practices are among the 60 felony accusations that Capone, Branco, and Parenti are currently facing. Capone was already arraigned and freed on unsecured bail of $100,000. Parenti and Branco are anticipated to turn themselves in to the police shortly for their own arraignments.
This lawsuit will surely have an influence on the industry as the legal proceedings progress.
Associated Topics: Sports, Crime, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Celebrities
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