Lexmark International came to Stumar Investigations with a substantial problem - one that costs companies like Lexmark $1 billion annually - the sale of counterfeit products. These counterfeit goods not only take sales away, but they also hurt the company’s reputation, linking it to poor quality merchandise.

Stumar worked with the Allegheny County Police Department in Pennsylvania, the Clifton, N.J. Police Department, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the United States Postal Inspection Service to investigate claims that led to undercover raids in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Florida. These raids uncovered more than 13,000 counterfeit Lexmark printer cartridge and boxes fraudulently marketed.

Business records and the artwork and printing plates used to make the counterfeit cartons were also seized; putting an end to the production and helping Lexmark maintain their good name.

As a result of these efforts, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida (based in Jacksonville) presented investigative findings to a federal grand jury that issued indictments against Lasota and Johnson for conspiracy to traffic in counterfeit goods or services. Lasota was also charged with the additional federal offense of trafficking in counterfeit goods or services. Trafficking in counterfeit goods carries a maximum sentence of 10 years. Officers also seized business records and the artwork and printing plates used to make counterfeit cartons.