Miami-Dade Police made a major bust at a jewelry store in Southwest Miami-Dade. Detectives said two people were arrested for selling counterfeit items at The Lord of the Rings Jewelry.
Co-owners Tania Varona and Jimmy Hernandez were charged in the case. Police said they seized over $31 million in counterfeit items.
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In an exclusive interview, Hernandez, who is out on bond, told NBC 6 in Spanish that they run a legitimate business. He said they have nothing to hide.
Investigators accuse the duo of selling thousands of fake name brand merchandise such as Cartier, Chanel, Tory Burch and Rolex. But, Hernandez told NBC 6 that they don't sell name brands items, only items that are inspired by name brands.
Miami-Dade Police displayed the items seized at a press conference Friday morning.
"We went to this business and as soon as you walk in you can replicas of several name brands," said Detective Michael Hufnagel.
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One of the items seized was counterfeit Chanel jewelry that had the Chanel logo on them.
"Inspired is something that is not a direct copy. Not only are thes a direct copy but they are also a word marked," said Det. Hufnagel.
