A Highland woman has confessed in federal court to trafficking counterfeit designer goods, infringing on registered trademarks by selling imported items through her business. The counterfeit products included cosmetics, purses, clothing, and accessories bearing well-known trademarks from high-end brands.
Emily Montegna, aged 38, admitted guilt to one count of trafficking in counterfeit goods. Acting U.S. Attorney Ali M. Summers commented on the case stating, "Fake cosmetics pose significant health risks for consumers, and selling counterfeit goods harm unsuspecting shoppers who believe they are getting the real product." He further emphasized that "Counterfeit goods threaten a fair, legitimate marketplace, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to prioritize consumer safety."
Court documents reveal that Montegna operated under several business names such as “Emily’s Creative Creations,” “Hickory Flat Farm Vinyl & Deals,” “Emily’s She Shed,” or “Hickory Hill Vinyl & Deals.” From October 2019 through January 2022, she used a Facebook group and her home to sell these counterfeit products.
Montegna imported fake designer makeup products, socks, purses, sunglasses and other accessories from overseas with the intent to profit by deceiving consumers using trademarks owned by Estee Lauder, L’Oreal, Parfumes Christian Dior, Tarte, Too Faced, Deckers Outdoor Corporation (UGG), Victoria’s Secret & Co., Kate Spade New York LLC., Under Armour Inc., Nike Inc., and Michael Kors Holdings Limited.
Her sentencing hearing is set for July 1 at 10:30 a.m. at the federal courthouse in East St. Louis. Trafficking in counterfeit goods carries a potential penalty of up to 10 years’ imprisonment and fines reaching $2 million.
The investigation was led by Homeland Security Investigations with Assistant U.S. Attorney Zoe Gross prosecuting the case.