Detectives with the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division arrested a Paulding County woman for operating a counterfeit handbag ring.
On September 18, 2023, detectives were alerted by authorities from Gatekeeper Global that they had discovered an online counterfeit handbag store and it was being operated out of a Paulding County home.
Gatekeeper Global, who is an international private security and risk management company, manages numerous high end brands’ trademark and helps prevent fraudulent reproduction of those products. Once Detectives were alerted to the illegal activity, they immediately launched an investigation.
As the investigation progressed, Detectives were able to secure a search warrant for the residence located at 38 Adelene Way Dallas, GA 30157 on October 4, 2023. When they executed the search warrant, they ultimately discovered over twelve thousand fraudulent handbags, wallets, accessories, and numerous other counterfeited items. Some of the brands that had been counterfeited were Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci, Burberry, Christian Dior, Dolce & Gabanna, Fendi, Hermes, along with many others.
Ashley Lindsey Frank (W/F, 39 YOA) turned herself into authorities on October 29, 2023 and was charged with Selling Goods with Forged, Counterfeit Trademarks, Service Marks, and Copyrighted Designs (F). Due to the sheer volume of products that she had inside her home, there are potentially more charges that could result as the investigation progresses. It is estimated that the value of the items seized at Frank’s residence would have been valued at $11,675,885 if they had been authentic products.
Sheriff Gary Gulledge stated, “We are glad to partner with Gatekeeper Global to help protect the brand integrity of these companies. If you see a name brand purse, handbag, or accessory that’s for sale online and the price is too good to be true, it’s probably a counterfeit item that is manufactured in a sweat shop in a foreign country. If you buy high end handbags or other items, please make sure you go to a reputable store to make that purchase.”
Detectives want to encourage anyone who might have information about this case or any other criminal activity to please call the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office Tip Line at (770) 443-3047 or send a tip via the free Paulding Sheriff mobile app.
