Updated May 14 with additional information
State investigators, Columbus County deputies and Whiteville Police raided a Whiteville gun shop and outfitter Tuesday, seizing counterfeit firearm components and arresting the owner.
John Phillip McPherson III, 41, was released on $5,000 secured bond. He faces a total of seven felony charges of selling counterfeit trademark property, obtaining property by false pretenses, and attempted obtaining property by false pretense. His address was listed on court documents as 208 Smith St., Whiteville.
Warrants show that McPherson is alleged to have sold counterfeit Sig Sauer, Leopold and Aimpoint sights, arm braces and other firearm parts ad well as fake name brand knives out of his Madison Street shop, North State Armory. One of the sights was valued at more than $1,000.
The Secretary of State’s Office investigated the alleged sales, according to warrants. The case was initiated by the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office.
The Secretary of State’s Office said counterfeit trademarked gunsights, knives, and arm braces were among the items seized from the store at 920 S. Madison street.
The brands included brand names Sig Sauer, Leupold, Aimpoint, EOTech, and Microtech. Microtech is a North Carolina knife manufacturer based in Mills River. The retail value of the goods is estimated at more than $7,000.
Secretary of State Elaine F. Marshall thanked the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office for its partnership on the case and noted the importance of continuing to get information from customers who may have previously bought counterfeits from the store.
“Counterfeit optical sights have the potential to cause serious safety issues, so it is urgent that customers who believe they may have purchased counterfeit goods from this store reach out to the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office. Knock-off optics frequently have non-tempered glass and shoddy plastic that can shatter and cause serious eye injuries, and many are also made with hazardous chemicals that could cause long-term health issues,” said Secretary Marshall.
The Secretary of State’s Office is required by law to protect the holders of state and federally registered trademarks.
This is a developing story. Look for more later at Columbuscountynews.com.
