More than $300,000 worth of counterfeit merchandise has been seized at a Columbia store.
An investigation into NewImageSC and its operator, Quasheda Parker of Irmo, began in March 2020, SC Secretary of State Mark Hammond said.
“Counterfeit merchandise, largely from China, causes an estimated $225 billion in damage to our nation’s economy each year,” said Hammond.
At that time, the business was being conducted on Facebook, but eventually grew to include sales at a storefront at 1945 Decker Blvd. in Columbia.
Hammond said the counterfeit merchandise included shoes, clothing, sunglasses, jewelry, perfumes and colognes, watches, hats and face masks.
It included trademarks from such popular brands as Louis Vuitton, PINK, Versace, Chanel, Burberry, Gucci, Fendi, Cartier, Nike, Champion, NFL, NBA and NCAA.
On Sept. 9, a search warrant was executed at the NewImageSC store in Columbia and at Parker’s home in Irmo, Hammond said.
“Not only does counterfeit merchandise harm legitimate businesses, but it hurts consumers who purchase inferior and even dangerous products,” said Hammond. 
“Counterfeit merchandise trafficking funds organized crime and terrorism. Counterfeiting is not and never will be a victimless crime.”