By Brian Livingston / staff writer
Detectives with the Meridian Police Department have charged a Jackson man for the sale of goods bearing counterfeit stamps or labels.
According to MPD's Criminal Investigation Division Capt. James Sharpe, Marco Demone Mangum, 19, was initially stopped earlier Tuesday for a routine traffic stop in Hattiesburg. After a background check was conducted, officers there discovered Mangum had an outstanding warrant in Meridian. Officers took Mangum into custody and contacted MPD authorities who traveled to Hattiesburg Wednesday and returned him here to face charges.
Mangum's arrest, said Sharpe, stems from an earlier investigation into computer laptops with false labels being sold in the Meridian area.
After being charged and processed, Mangum was given a $10,000 bond. He has since met the minimum bond requirement and is currently out of jail.
Sharpe said other arrests in connection with this case may be forthcoming in regards to the sale of fake electronics. The charge of selling items with counterfeit stamps or labels can carry penalties ranging from one to five years in prison and fines between $5,000 and $10,000.
Mangum's case is scheduled to be presented before the March 2010 session of the Lauderdale County grand jury.
