Why is counterfeit clothing so popular?”
The owner of West African Art in St. Louis and F & A Fashions in Wellston has pleaded guilty to charges involving the sale of counterfeit clothing apparel. Between September 2005 and February 2009, Passaro Frango, 51, of University City, sold counterfeit goods at both stores, including shoes bearing the trademarks of Nike and apparel using the names Apple Bottom, Polo Ralph Lauren, Coach, True Religion, Timberland, Baby Phat and Roca Wear, Acting U.S. Attorney Michael Reap said Tuesday. In 2005, a representative of several clothing manufacturers learned that Frango was selling knock-off Nike shoes at West African Art and provided a cease-and-desist notice to Frango and his business but he kept selling the goods, prosecutors said. The total infringement value of the seized goods exceeds $1 million, according to Reap’s office said. Due to the volume of contraband goods, which amounted to two trailer loads, the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement became in
