Police bust vendors for sale of counterfeit Harley-Davidson items

FRANKLIN (WITI) -- Harley-Davidson employees, as well as police, were on the lookout for counterfeit merchandise over the 110th Anniversary weekend and on Monday, September 2nd, authorities busted two vendors for selling bogus items.

Franklin Police Chief Rick Oliva says detectives found more than 60 pieces of phony Harley-Davidson clothing during a routine check at the St. Martin's Fair.

"Most property, like this Harley-Davidson or sports memorabilia, that is sold out of stores is rarely sold out of a tent," said Oliva.

Due to the reduced price and non-existent authentic tags, the fake merchandise tipped off officers almost immediately.

"First thing you look at is the price. A legitimate vendor can not sell a $75 sweatshirt for $20 or $25. The second thing you look at is the quality. The manufacturer here is not a licensed man for Harley-Davidson nor is there any authentic H-D tag sewn into the actual garment," explained Oliva.

Harley-Davidson dealer Chaz Hastings said the company takes great measures to protect merchandise and prevent counterfeiting.

"It bites into our pockets and in the end, when somebody buys that, they think it's something that we sold them or they'll come to us to complain about the poor merchandise when it had nothing to do with us -- but it's got a fake bar and shield logo on it," said Hastings.

Chief Oliva says counterfeiting is a serious crime and has cost some businesses over $300 million in losses due to the sale of counterfeit products.

Upon completion of the investigation, the case will be sent to the District Attorney for a decision on charges.