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Couple charged with selling $35,000 in counterfeit gold

Published  November 1, 2016 1:51pm EDT
U.S.
FOX 29 Philadelphia

LEWES, Del. (WTXF) - A Delaware couple is accused of selling counterfeit gold bars and coins to unsuspecting victims throughout the southern part of the state.

Delaware State Police say victims came forward last Monday, Oct. 24, after the victims learned what happened on an internet sales site.

Then, "After conducting interviews and examining evidence, it was revealed that Paul Micaletti and Heather Micaletti both of Ocean View had sold over $35,000 in counterfeit gold to victims who thought they were purchasing legitimate gold bars."

Back on July 31, police say one victim met with the suspects in Lewes to buy gold bars for more than $1,700, and the victim even had the suspects sign and date a hand receipt, stating the gold bars were legitimate.

At the time, police say Paul Micaletti told the victims his father-in-law had passed away and the gold bars and coins belonged to his estate.

Then, police say Heather Micaletti wanted to sell more of her counterfeit gold bars.

The investigation found Paul Micaletti gave the victims a copy of a fake invoice from a mint shop for more than 100 units of what they thought were gold bars purchased by his father-in law for more than $38,000.

Then, last month, police reported another victim bought more gold bars for more than $8000.

Police had the gold bars and coins appraised and tested, and it was determined all the bars were counterfeit.

Last Thursday, Oct. 27, the Delaware State Police Financial Crimes Unit with help from the Ocean View Police Department executed search warrants. They arrested both suspects at their home and seized more counterfeit gold bars.

The Micalettis are charged with 38 counts of forgery, two counts of theft by false pretense over $1500, and conspiracy. Both were arraigned and released on $20,500 unsecured bail.

Police remind everyone to be careful, especially when people or internet sites could be in question.

The investigation continues and police ask anyone with information to call 302-856-5850 or Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333.