Silvia Marila Urgirles, a 39-year-old woman, is currently held in a Miami-Dade County jail, facing charges for possessing and selling counterfeit sports merchandise from renowned brands such as Adidas, Nike, and New Era across multiple locations in the city.
According to the police report, authorities seized thousands of items from a store located at 1834 NW 20th Street in the Allapattah neighborhood. The merchandise included uniforms, jerseys, and sports sets that, if genuine, would have amounted to millions of dollars on the market. Investigators have also linked Urgirles to another shop on 840 West Flagler Street, where the estimated value of counterfeit clothing was around $100,000—a sum that, under Florida law, constitutes a second-degree felony.
During a court hearing, prosecutors revealed that Urgirles sold the merchandise at approximately 20% of the original retail price. For instance, soccer team jerseys were offered at $28, while 12 sports sets were priced at $300 and 30 sets at $750.
Legal Defense and Family Background
Urgirles’ defense attorney requested the judge to mitigate the legal repercussions, arguing that she has been in the United States for over a decade, is a mother of three, has no criminal record, and that her case is unrelated to drug trafficking or violent crimes.
Court documents also reveal that Urgirles managed a third store, which is part of the investigation. However, this business is registered under her husband's name, who has not been arrested to date.
Consequences and Consumer Advisory
Urgirles remains in custody with bail set at $10,000. Authorities have not disclosed whether further arrests are anticipated in this crackdown on counterfeit goods, a crime that significantly impacts both brands and the local economy.
In Florida, selling, buying, or possessing counterfeit merchandise valued over $20,000 is considered a serious crime, potentially resulting in prison sentences and hefty fines. Authorities strongly advise consumers to always verify the authenticity of products and purchase from authorized dealers to avoid falling victim to fraud or inadvertently engaging in illegal activities.
Understanding Counterfeit Merchandise Laws in Florida
What charges is Silvia Marila Urgirles facing?
Silvia Marila Urgirles is facing charges for possessing and selling counterfeit sports merchandise from brands like Adidas, Nike, and New Era.
What is the potential impact of selling counterfeit goods in Florida?
Selling counterfeit goods valued over $20,000 in Florida is a serious offense that may lead to prison sentences and substantial fines, impacting both the economy and brand integrity.
How did the authorities link Urgirles to counterfeit merchandise?
Authorities linked Urgirles to counterfeit merchandise through investigations and seized items from her stores, which included fake branded uniforms and sportswear.