February 25, 2012|By Jeff Weiner, Orlando Sentinel
Three men accused of trying to cash in on the NBA All-Star week festivities with phony hats and T-shirts were arrested Friday night in downtown Orlando, according to police reports.
Reports state the arrests came in an "anti product counterfeiting operation" by police, the Department of Homeland Security and National Basketball Association investigators.
Investigators spotted the men, Willard Turner Jr., 58, David Turner, 47, and Donald Gardener, 25, selling All-Star gear near Boone Avenue and South Street, police reports say.
The men fled on foot, according to police, but were caught by other Orlando officers nearby. All three were arrested and jailed on charges related to trademark counterfeiting.
According to police, the men possessed forged hats and t-shirts "bearing the trademark of the NBA" and the official All-Star logo. The clothes were confiscated as evidence.
jeweiner@tribune.com or 407-420-5171
27 Feb, 2012
