Lewes – The Delaware State Police have arrested two for selling counterfeit gold bars and coins to victims throughout Sussex County, according to Public Information Sergeant Richard D. Bratz.
Bratz said that on Monday, October 24, 2016 the Delaware State Police Detectives from the Financial Crimes Unit initiated an investigation after victims came forward and reported two suspects selling counterfeit gold bars and coins in Sussex County. After conducting interviews and examining evidence it was revealed that Paul Micaletti and Heather Micaletti both of Ocean View had sold over $35,000.00 in counterfeit gold to victims who thought they were purchasing legitimate gold bars, said Bratz.
The investigation revealed the victims had discovered the sale of these gold bars on an internet sales site where private sellers buy and sell various items, according Bratz. Police said that on Sunday, July 31, 2016 one victim met with the suspects in Lewes to purchase gold bars for over $1,700.00 and during the exchange the victim had suspects sign and date a hand receipt stating the gold bars were legitimate. Paul Micaletti also told victims that his father-in-law had passed away and that the gold bars and coins belong to his estate, according to authorities. Bratz said after these gold bars were sold, the investigation revealed Heather Micaletti wanted to sell more of her counterfeit gold bars.
Authorities said that during the probe it was revealed Paul Micaletti allegedly provided the victims with a copy of a fake invoice from a mint shop. The invoice was for over 100 units of what was believed by the victims to be gold bars purchased by his father-in law for the amount of over $38,000.00, said Bratz. Police said the victims purchased over $35,000.00 in the counterfeit gold bars and coins.
During the investigation the gold bars and coins were appraised and tested. It was determined the gold bars were all counterfeit, according to police.
On Thursday, October 27, 2016, search warrants were executed by the Delaware State Police Financial Crimes Unit with the assistance of the Ocean View Police Department which resulted in the apprehension of both suspects and the seizure of additional counterfeit gold bars, police said.
Paul Micaletti, 41 of Ocean View, and Heather Micaletti, 34 of Ocean View, were arrested at their residence without incident and transported to Troop 4 in Georgetown where both were formally charged with 38 Counts of Forgery First Degree, Two counts of Theft by False Pretense over $1500.00 and Conspiracy 2nd degree. Both were arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court 3 and released on $20,500.00 unsecured bail.
The Delaware State Police reminds citizens to be cautious when purchasing items from individuals or internet sites in which the validity of the product and the security of the purchase could be in question.