Purse parties illegal, officials say

OMAHA, July 28 (UPI) -- Prosecutors are cracking down on distribution and sale of counterfeit handbags, popular items at purse parties, U.S. officials said.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents say the famous maker knockoffs are bringing big money for the women selling them, KETV-TV, Omaha, reported Monday.

ICE investigator William Wallrapp said counterfeit purses may be funding even bigger criminal activity, and some saleswomen are making six figures by selling them.

"It's a lucrative trade," Wallrapp said.

As for purse parties, he said federal investigators are watching for them.

"If we find out about these crimes, we're going to investigate them and do our best to see that they're prosecuted," Wallrapp said.

Kelli Larson and Jodene Burkhart of Scottsbluff, Neb., were recently arrested and forced to forfeit more than 900 purses, wallets and sunglasses.

Authorities say the women made more than $200,000 selling the knockoffs. They face a $2 million fine and several years in prison, the station reported.