Fake designer clothing confiscated from store

An estimated $40,000 in counterfeit designer clothing and jewelry was seized from a Cannon Boulevard business Thursday, according to the 17th Judicial District Drug Task Force.

Clothing, purses, sunglasses, watches, necklaces, belts and tennis shoes were on display at Unique Hair Salon, said DTF assistant director Timothy Miller.

DTF agents and deputies from the Bedford County Sheriff's Department initially seized 101 counterfeit DVD movies and games, Miller said. The salon's owner, Monsanto Cannon, allowed a search of the building and agreed to turn over the other items, Miller said.

"Counterfeiting and piracy is often perceived as an activity of the petty criminal trying to make a few dollars," DTF director Tim Lane said. "This is not the case. It is highly profitable and has strong links to organized criminal groups and terrorist organizations, often providing funding for criminal activities."

Traffic stop

A large amount of marijuana and cash was recovered during a traffic stop conducted by the DTF and Shelbyville Police Department on Wednesday, Miller said.

Approximately 3.5 pounds of marijuana, with a street value of about $3,500, and $374 in suspected illegal drug proceeds were recovered from a car driven by Michael A. Payne, of Nashville, according to Miller.

As part of the investigation, a "felony amount of marijuana and drug paraphernalia" was seized from an apartment at Davis Estates, on Anthony Lane, Miller said. A 52-inch flat screen television, which had been reported stolen from Rent-A-Center, of Shelbyville, was found in the apartment, Miller reported.

Cocaine found

A search of the home of Dominique Brown, of Jonathan Court, on May 29 resulted in the seizure of approximately 80 grams of crack cocaine with an estimated street value of $16,000, Detective Brian Crews of the Shelbyville Police Department said.

SPD detectives and DTF agents conducted the search, Miller said.

The DTF is comprised of officers from the Shelbyville and Lewisburg police departments and Bedford and Marshall County sheriff's departments.