Owner of High-End Boutique Arrested for Selling Fake Chanel Bags
Palm Beach Boutique Accused of Counterfeit Goods
The owner of a high-end boutique in Palm Beach was arrested after authorities say she was busted selling counterfeit Chanel bags in a sting operation at her store.
Arrest and Charges
Arlene Bonner, 64, owns Couture & More on Royal Poinciana Way. She was arrested on a charge of selling or offering for sale counterfeit goods or services, which is a third-degree felony. Bonner was later released from custody after posting $5,000 bail.
Sting Operation
A probable cause affidavit details that it was on February 4th that investigators received a "reliable and verified" tip about "designer handbags in the rear storage area that were suspected of being counterfeit." An undercover detective conducted the operation dubbed "Botox & Bags" and went into the store, where at the back, a sign on a door allegedly read, "Back Room Sale."
Fake Chanel Bags
Inside were six Chanel bags behind a display case, all marked with the brand’s logo, the affidavit reads. The bags were being sold for $3,000 each, with an estimated value of $35,000 from an authorized Chanel dealer. The detective purchased one of the bags, a pink one, for $635. However, an authenticator later deemed it to be fake. A real Chanel bag sold by an authorized dealer has an estimated retail value of $7,000.
Owner’s Statement
Bonner allegedly told the detective to not say where she got the purse from, and said, "if you tell people the handbags are real, that is how you get into trouble." When the detective inquired if the pink one was for sale, Bonner stated that the handbags belonged to a person that had done a "trunk show" and he was supposed to pick up the handbags the following day.
Chanel’s Investigation
A representative from the company reported to authorities that the suspect has never had the right or authority to use the Chanel monogram or any other trademarks. The company also stated that Bonner was selling Chanel merchandise that was of a quality that a regular person would believe they were the genuine item.
Conclusion
The arrest of Arlene Bonner, the owner of Couture & More, serves as a reminder of the importance of authenticity in the world of luxury goods. The sale of counterfeit products not only harms the original brand but also the consumer who is duped into buying a fake product.
FAQs
Q: What is the charge against Arlene Bonner?
A: Selling or offering for sale counterfeit goods or services, a third-degree felony.
Q: How much did the detective pay for the fake Chanel bag?
A: $635
Q: What is the estimated value of the real Chanel bag?
A: $7,000
Q: How many bags were found in the back room of the store?
A: Six
Q: What was the estimated value of the six bags?
A: $35,000
