Chief Robert J. Ferullo Jr
25 Harrison Ave.
Woburn, MA 01801
For Immediate Release
Friday, Feb. 3, 2017
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net
Woburn Police Execute Search Warrant for Counterfeit NFL Merchandise
WOBURN — Chief Robert Ferullo reports that the Woburn Police Department, along with Topsfield Police, the Department of Homeland Security and representatives of the National Football League (NFL), executed a search warrant at a location in town that allegedly manufactured and sold counterfeit NFL merchandise.
In December 2016, representatives from the NFL received information from Homeland Security Investigations that a kiosk located at the South Shore Plaza in Braintree was selling counterfeit NFL items with the slogan “Do Your Job” — a popular phrase coined by New England Patriots Coach Bill Belichick, which is trademarked by the New England Patriots LLC.
Following an investigation, police determined that the kiosk purchased these items from Born Into It, Inc. doing business as Chowdaheadz, an online store that sells Boston sports-themed merchandise.
After an almost two-month long investigation by NFL representatives and other law enforcement agencies, Woburn Police applied for a search warrant of the Chowdaheadz company headquarters, 35B Industrial Parkway, Woburn, which they then executed on Feb. 3 at approximately 1 p.m.
As a result of the search, counterfeit NFL merchandise including t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats and other items, as well as business records, production materials and equipment was seized.
This investigation remains active and ongoing, and all charges related to this case will be brought forth by summons. Charges will include Counterfeit Merchandise or Services in violation of M.G.L. c266 s147.
“I would like to praise the hard work across all of the agencies involved in this case including Woburn Police and investigators from Topsfield Police, Homeland Security and the NFL,” Chief Ferullo said. “We will continue to assist in any way we can to aid this investigation moving forward.”
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