Online Seller Of Counterfeit Luxury Items Sentenced To Federal Prison

Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan has sentenced David Joseph Gruber (53, Jacksonville Beach) to 30 months in federal prison for conspiracy to traffic in counterfeit goods, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and failure to appear. The Court also ordered him to forfeit three pieces of real property located in Jacksonville, which are traceable to proceeds of the offenses. Further, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has administratively forfeited $42,217.94 from accounts held by Gruber, which were further proceeds of his offenses. Gruber pleaded guilty in March 2016.

According to court documents, from at least as early as April 2007 through March 2014, Gruber, aka “China Dave,” owned and operated a website through which he and his wife sold goods and products bearing counterfeit trademarks owned by Burberry, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Juicy Couture, Rolex, Hermes, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Tiffany & Co., Prada, Coach, Breitling, Nike, and Fifth & Pacific Companies. The products included handbags, watches, shoes, and clothing.  Gruber purchased several pieces of real property with proceeds from his trafficking in counterfeit goods.

"These crimes impact our economy and businesses," said Susan L. McCormick, special agent in charge of HSI Tampa. "HSI special agents work relentlessly to protect intellectual property rights."

Gruber’s wife, Xiao Ling Liu, aka Shally Gruber, was also charged for her role in this case.  She remains a fugitive.

This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelly S. Karase.