Miami-Dade jewelry store owner arrested after counterfeit luxury items allegedly sold at two locations

Arrest follows months-long investigation in Miami and Hialeah

A Miami-Dade jewelry store owner is facing felony charges after authorities said a months-long investigation found counterfeit luxury-branded merchandise being sold at two storefronts—one in Miami and one in Hialeah.

Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested 43-year-old Manuel DeJesus Beltran-Machado after he surrendered at the agency’s Organized Crimes Bureau. Jail records list a felony charge of selling, purchasing or possessing counterfeit items valued at $20,000 or more. As of Thursday morning, he was being held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center with bond listed as “to be set.”

Two storefront addresses cited; items sent for brand authentication

Authorities identified the storefronts as 7148 SW 8th St. in Miami and 530 W 29th St. in Hialeah. Investigators said they made multiple purchases during the investigation and worked with a brand investigator. The purchased items were then submitted to brand experts for authentication, and authorities said the items were determined to be counterfeit.

Deputies said the suspected counterfeit merchandise included products bearing the branding of Tiffany & Co., Gucci, Chanel, Christian Dior, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Prada and Rolex.

Search warrants executed February 12; deputies report more than $1.8 million in “retail comparison” value

Deputies said search warrants were executed simultaneously at both locations on Feb. 12, 2026. Investigators reported recovering 262 items in total, along with a “documented retail comparison valuation” that authorities said totaled $1,833,965.

• At 530 W 29th St. in Hialeah, deputies reported recovering 136 items valued at $894,070.

• At 7148 SW 8th St. in Miami, deputies reported recovering 126 items valued at $939,895.

Case underscores continued enforcement against counterfeit goods

Counterfeit luxury goods cases in South Florida have drawn sustained attention from local and federal law enforcement in recent years, spanning investigations that range from single-transaction fraud allegations to broader retail-style operations. In this case, authorities framed the probe as a structured investigation relying on controlled purchases, authentication review, and coordinated warrant execution.

Beltran-Machado is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

No court disposition has been announced publicly in connection with the case. The investigation and prosecution remain ongoing.