Three related indictments for receiving stolen property were served before Saturday, Prickett said. One remains to be served, he said.
The investigation into vendors at the massive flea market, covering 62 acres near Wilmington at Ohio 73 and Interstate 71, began four months ago, Prickett said.
“This has been a large undertaking,” he said.
Deputies from Clinton and Fayette counties raided the flea market at 9 a.m. Saturday, and spent most of the day packing a tractor-trailer full of confiscated merchandise.
They allege that stolen items such as laundry detergent, shampoo and razor blades were being sold by vendors at the flea market in order to buy drugs.
The deputies were joined Saturday by a company representing the likes of the National Football League, Major League Baseball and Oakley sunglasses to identify counterfeit merchandise, Prickett said. Knock-off shirts, hats and graphic rugs reportedly were found in five booths, he said.
Prickett was unable to place a dollar amount on the merchandise, but said, “It’s substantial.”
Management at Caesar Creek Flea Market declined to comment.
The market, built in 1978, draws about 10,000 people each weekend.
A fire destroyed part of the facility in March 2012.
Jacky O’Dell, who has operated a booth at the market for 35 years specializing in Army surplus gear, was disheartened Saturday by the latest turn of events.
“We were trying to regroup after the fire and looking for good vendors,” O’Dell said. “Things were looking up.”
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