DELRAY BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — An 84-year-old man is accused of selling counterfeit designer items after more than $200,000 worth of counterfeit merchandise was seized from his store in Delray Beach.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) announced on Thursday that its investigators dismantled a counterfeit goods operation run by Ronald C. Axelrod, the owner of “Ronnie’s Shoes” at 6578 W Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach. The investigation, which began with a tip to Crime Stoppers, revealed Axelrod was selling counterfeit high-end designer handbags and accessories.
The investigation began on July 25, 2024, after an anonymous tip about counterfeit items at “Ronnie’s Shoes.” A PBSO deputy conducted an undercover operation on December 11, 2024, buying several counterfeit items from brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Goyard, Prada, and Hermes. Further undercover operations by a detective and other agents confirmed the sale of counterfeit goods at prices significantly lower than their Manufacturer Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP).
The counterfeit items included handbags and accessories from brands such as Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Chanel, and Prada, sold for $49 to $150, while their MSRP ranged from $1,070 to $4,500, according to the arrest report. Expert brand representatives confirmed the items were counterfeit, with Louis Vuitton providing an affidavit verifying the fraudulent nature of the goods…