Police bust counterfeit jersey scheme

WARWICK, R.I. (WPRI) -- Investigators have made a massive counterfeit merchandise bust in Warwick, totaling more than $1 million in goods.

Warwick police, along with federal officials and Homeland Security officers, seized hundreds of counterfeit professional sports jerseys and counterfeit health and beauty products in a truck parked at 220 Bend St.

Officers tell us Norman Cipriano, 40, was arrested and charged with two counts of trafficking counterfeit goods or services.

The arrest stems from a six-month investigation by Homeland Security, with assistance from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Warwick police.

A federal official tells Target 12 Investigator Tim White that Homeland Security "always" gets involved in counterfeit jersey raids because they are almost always imported.

Through some research, we've also learned that Cipriano was sentenced to jail time back in 2005 for running one of the largest shoplifting rings in Warwick's history. Police say he paid shoplifters to steal thousands of dollars worth of goods, and investigators found more than a thousand pieces of stolen merchandise at his home.

Cipriano appeared in court Wednesday to face the charges, he's scheduled to be arraigned later this month.