U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (IPR Center) have announced the results of "Operation Strike Out." The one-month operation, which commenced at the beginning of the American League and National League Championship Series and continued through the World … [Read more...]
Busted: Cops Say They’ve Got Serial Ruth Signed Ball Counterfeiter
Police in Largo, Fla., arrested a 40-year-old man they believe orchestrated a scam to sell fake Babe Ruth signed baseballs to pawn shops and second hand stores throughout the state. Marc Szakaly of Land 'o Lakes was taken into custody at his home and booked into the Pasco County Jail on Wednesday night. Five hours later, he was out on $50,000 bond. He's been charged with … [Read more...]
Vintage Authentics Investigation Continuing
The U.S. Attorney prosecuting the case of a Minnesota sports memorabilia dealer says the investigation into the activities of Vintage Authentics is ongoing. Preet Bharara praised postal inspectors for their work in the case, which culminated in the arrest of Steven Jensen on the floor of the National Sports Collectors Convention in Chicago last week. The presence of an … [Read more...]
Babe Ruth Autograph Faker on Loose in Florida
Law enforcement agencies in Florida are looking for a man who has been peddling fake Babe Ruth autographs to pawn shops. Gold Coast Pawn in Bonita Springs on Florida's west coast was victimized in April. The shop's owner says a man came into the shop, saying he needed some quick cash. The signature on the baseball looked like the Babe's. There was even a certificate of … [Read more...]
Stolen Phillies World Series Ring Found in Swamp
Sheriff's deputies in Snohomish County, Wash., have recovered the 2008 World Series ring given to Phillies' pitcher Kyle Kendrick in a swamp. A man "known to law enforcement" led authorities to the ring, which had been placed in a container of Mentos cand The man wasn't arrested but a total of five people have been arrested in connection with the burglary that took place at … [Read more...]
Law Finally Catches Up to Shop’s Theft Suspect
Better late than never may be the battle cry for a Massachusetts sports memorabilia shop owner and law enforcement agencies who've been looking for him. Bradley M. Anderson, 40, of North Loxahatchee, Fla., was arrested recently--nearly six years after police say he stole tens of thousands of dollars worth of autographs and other items from a New England shop. Anderson … [Read more...]
Agents Seize Bogus Jerseys
Sports Collectors Daily has learned that agents from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations seized more than 160 counterfeit NFL jerseys were seized last Friday from two Phoenix sports memorabilia stores. According to the agency, the businesses were targeted for investigation following a tip from a "concerned citizen". HSI agents … [Read more...]
Cleveland Cops Auctioning Vintage Baseball Cards
Someone in the Cleveland area is missing some nice vintage baseball cards. Among the jewelry, computers, TVs and other typical items in a police auction being held there this weekend is a cache of old baseball cards. And they're not just beat up old commons. On Saturday, beginning at 8:00 a.m., the Cleveland Division of Police will auction off seized, found and … [Read more...]
Homeowner Loses Autographs in Theft
Florida law enforcement officers are on the lookout for over $75,000 worth of sports memorabilia, electronics and expensive tapestries stolen from a home being readied for sale. The Lee County Sheriff's Office says the contractor who was working at the home in the house in Gateway discovered the theft when he showed up Tuesday morning. It's believed the theft may have … [Read more...]
Stolen Championship Rings Lassoed by TN Cops
Townsend, Tennessee law enforcement officers don't often see the types of items they seized last weekend. A Maine resident was arrested there after police found a bag containing several stolen items and $21,000 in cash under the back seat of a stolen truck. Among the items recovered...two valuable football rings worth thousands of dollars. Bobby Franklin, who earned a … [Read more...]