A Highland woman has confessed in federal court to trafficking counterfeit designer goods and infringing on registered trademarks. The counterfeit items, which included cosmetics, purses, clothing, and accessories with well-known trademarks from high-end brands, were sold through her business.
Emily Montegna, aged 38, admitted guilt to one count of trafficking in counterfeit goods.
“Fake cosmetics pose significant health risks for consumers, and selling counterfeit goods harm unsuspecting shoppers who believe they are getting the real product,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Ali M. Summers. “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 a business under several names such as “Emily’s Creative Creations”, “Hickory Flat Farm Vinyl & Deals”, “Emily’s She Shed” or “Hickory Hill Vinyl & Deals.” She used a Facebook group and her home to sell these counterfeit products from October 2019 through January 2022.
Montegna imported fake designer makeup products, socks, purses, sunglasses, and other accessories from overseas. These items were intended to deceive consumers by featuring trademarks owned by Estee Lauder, L’Oreal, Parfumes Christian Dior, Tarte, Too Faced, Deckers Outdoor, Victoria’s Secret, Kate Spade, Under Armor, Nike and Michael Kors.
The sentencing hearing for Montegna is set for July 1 at 10:30 a.m. at the federal courthouse in East St. Louis. Trafficking in counterfeit goods carries penalties of up to 10 years’ imprisonment and fines reaching $2 million.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation while Assistant U.S. Attorney Zoe Gross is handling the prosecution.
