'Purse Guy' gets two years in prison

BIRMINGHAM - U.S. District Court Judge L. Scott Coogler sentenced a Florence man to 24 months in prison and ordered him to pay $136,089 in restitution Thursday for selling counterfeit purses and other goods.

Dennis Oakley, 53, owner of two stores in the Shoals known as "The Purse Guy," pleaded guilty in July 2007 to three counts of trademark infringement for selling trademarked purses, wallets, jewelry, sunglasses and footwear that were counterfeits.

Federal officials contend Oakley continued to sell the counterfeit products and was indicted in February on additional trademark infringement charges. He pleaded guilty in April to three charges of trademark infringement and one count of committing an offense while on release.

He is free on bond and will report to prison Sept. 25.

"Oakley did not learn from his first prosecution. Prison will help reinforce our message that selling counterfeit trademarked handbags devalues the brand reputation of these luxury goods (and that) manufacturers and federal authorities will protect their trademarks," U.S. Attorney Alice Martin said in a news release.

The investigation into the illegal sales was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and local police agencies.

Michael A. Holt, special agent in charge of the customs office in New Orleans, said the agency vigorously enforces trademark protection laws. "ICE is committed to an aggressive approach toward enforcing the nation's intellectual property rights laws."

Coogler ordered Oakley to pay restitution to Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Coach.