Michael Crouch and Victor Manuel Ortega face felony charges of selling counterfeit jewelry worth up to $300,000 in Houston, according to court documents.
HOUSTON — A Houston jewelry store was caught selling hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of counterfeit jewelry, according to court documents.
Two men are now facing charges.
If you visit the Houston Jewelry Buyers Facebook page, the business advertises high-end jewelry.
Court documents show the owner of the store, Michael Crouch, and a manager, Victor Manuel Ortega, are both charged with trademark counterfeiting, a felony. Ortega, 52, and Crouch, 58, are both due in court on Thursday morning. Ortega’s bond was set at $30,000, while Crouch’s bond was set at $20,000.
According to court documents, Ortega and Crouch knowingly sold fake:
- Rolex watches
- Rolex clocks
- Omega watches
- Richard Mike watches
- Audemars watch
- Patek Philippe watches
- Louis Vuitton jewelry
- Louis Vuitton case and wallet
- Cartier bracelets and earrings
Crouch and Ortega allegedly sold counterfeit items with a value of at least $150,000 and less than $300,000. They were arrested on Monday.
Customers impacted
KHOU 11 reporter Trason Bragg visited the store on Wednesday, but it was closed.
A customer was there and said he spent thousands of dollars on an engagement ring, but now, he’s not sure if it’s real.
“Now it’s making me doubt if it’s an actual diamond or if it’s actual gold,” he said.
He didn’t want to reveal his identity because he hadn’t yet proposed. He said the ring was supposed to be ready on Monday, but now, he’s not sure if he’ll get it in time for his planned engagement.
How to protect yourself
There are some steps you can take to prevent yourself from buying fake jewelry.
Danny Aronov, co-owner of DJP Jewelers, said consumers should authenticate high-end purchases because counterfeit items can be difficult to spot.
“Today, the fakes are so good that it’s almost impossible to tell by looking at it,” Aronov said.
Aronov said reputable jewelers typically have equipment to test jewels and precious metals and may offer appraisals. He also encouraged buyers not to wait too long to get items tested.
“Don’t let too long pass until you test the pieces that you buy, just go and test right away within days,” Aronov said. “And if it’s good, then fine. And if not, then go back, and I promise you the shop will give you the money back. They don’t want to ruin their name for one piece.”
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