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A Cuban jeweler is facing charges of trademark infringement after being arrested for selling alleged counterfeit designer jewelry in his store in southwest Houston, Texas.
Javier Góngora Escobar, 41 years old and a permanent resident of the United States, appeared in court this week accused of possessing, promoting, and selling jewelry pieces as if they were from recognized brands, knowing that they were not authentic.
According to court documents cited by Telemundo Houston, authorities found in Góngora Escobar's store over 1,500 items presented as designer jewelry, but which were fakes, with an estimated value of 300,000 dollars.
Góngora Escobar was arrested on April 21 in Harris County, where he operates his business JY Gold and Diamond, located inside the PlazAmericas shopping center, formerly known as Sharpstown Mall, reported KHOU 11. Situated near Southwest Freeway and Bellaire Boulevard, the mall houses over 150 stores and is a landmark for the Latino community in Houston.
The detainee appeared in court days after his arrest and, according to court documents, admitted to knowing that the jewelry was counterfeit at the time he advertised and sold it.
Góngora Escobar paid a bail of 20,000 dollars and is awaiting his judicial process free, reported Telemundo.
Under the Texas Penal Code, trademark counterfeiting is classified as a felony when the value of the items exceeds $2,500.
Given that the estimated value of the merchandise amounts to 300,000 dollars, the case could be classified as a first-degree felony, the most severe category, with penalties ranging from five to 99 years of imprisonment or life in prison, in addition to fines of up to 10,000 dollars.
The counterfeiting of registered trademarks is a persistent problem in markets and shopping centers catering to immigrant communities in major cities across the United States.
The Cuban community in Houston is one of the largest in Texas, largely composed of migrants who arrived during the waves from 2021 to 2023, drawn by economic opportunities and the established Hispanic presence in the city.
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