RI pair accused of selling fake Jason Kelce merchandise
Jan 23, 2025
CRANSTON, R.I. (WPRI) — Two people from Rhode Island will face a judge out of state after allegedly selling fake Jason Kelce merchandise.
The Montgomery County District Attorney's Office in Pennsylvania said 43-year-old LeeAnn Branco, of Bristol, and 43-year-old Joseph Parenti, of Cranston, are two of three people accused of selling nearly 1,200 items valued at $200,000.
Items included signed jerseys, helmets, hats, and photos, which were allegedly sold at several businesses including one in Cranston.
The investigation revealed the three suspects used Branco's Beckett Authentication Services credentials to create counterfeit autographed memorabilia, the DA's office said.
Branco and Parenti also attended a signing event in June 2024, where Branco took a photo with Kelce to validate the authenticity of the signed merchandise, the DA's office continued.
All three suspects have been charged with 60 felony counts including forgery, theft by deception, dealing in the proceeds of unlawful practices, deceptive business practices, and other charges.
The third suspect, 51-year-old Robert Capone, of Philadelphia, was arraigned on Wednesday and released on bail.
Parenti and Branco are expected to turn themselves in, the DA's office said, and will be arraigned at that time.
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