2 RI Men Accused of Selling Fake Signed Jason Kelce Memorabilia In PA

CRANSTON, RI — Two Rhode Island men were among three who were arrested in Pennsylvania after authorities said they ripped off the public to the tune of some $200,000 by selling forged signed memorabilia of former Eagles center Jason Kelce.

An investigation began back in June 2024 in Upper Merion Township, Pennsylvania, when authorities said they discovered some 1,100 items, including jerseys, helmets, hats, photos, mini-helmets, footballs, and more, with fake autographs on them.

LeeAnn Branco, 43, of Bristol, Joseph Parenti, 39, of Cranston, and Robert Capone, 51, of Philadelphia, were charged with theft, forgery, and related counts.

The trio claimed that the items were signed by Kelce on June 11 and June 12, 2024, at the Valley Forge Casino Hotel in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, police said. To fully sell the deception, Capone, Branco, and Parenti attended the event, and Branco took a photo with Kelce, officials said.

Capone's company, Overtime Promotions, Parenti's company, Diamond Legends, made the sales, while Branco, who works for Beckett Authentication Services, "verified" the items, according to the Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, District Attorney's Office.

Pennsylvania-based TCH Humphreys LLC, a legitimate sports memorabilia company, had contracted with Kelce for the Valley Forge Casino event, and they recognized the fakes and reported them to authorities.

The trio were charged with more than 60 felony counts.

Capone was arraigned on Wednesday and released on $100,000 bail. A preliminary hearing is set for Feb. 5.

The district attorney's office said they expect Branco and Parenti to turn themselves in to Montgomery County detectives shortly, and their preliminary hearings will be scheduled then.

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