Jewelry Scam Nets Arrests In Stafford: Police

STAFFORD, VA—Two people were arrested Thursday after selling fake jewelry in the parking lot of a Wawa gas station at 9 South Gateway Drive and then stuffing the cash proceeds into the dress of a 5-year-old, according to the Stafford County Sheriff's Office.

Bobi Mardias, 27, of Lehigh Acres, Fla., was charged with infringement of trademark, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, driving without a license, a traffic lane violation and no child restraint. Tamara Calin, 35, of Baltimore, was charged with infringement of trademark.

Around 5:45 p.m., police saw a man and a woman selling fake jewelry to gas station patrons from their vehicle—specifically, two rings and a gold chain. Mardias, the driver, then left the parking lot and pulled onto Warrenton Road. Police pulled him over at Sanford Drive, where they saw money being stuffed into the dress of the child, who was in the backseat with no car seat and no seat belt.

Ultimately, Mardias and Calin admitted to peddling the faux jewelry, including gold rings, chains and bogus Rolex watches. Meanwhile, back at the Wawa, the victims said they thought the items they bought were real gold. The $260 they paid was returned to them by Mardias and Calin.

Police say this was the second recent incident involving fake jewelry being sold in the area. Anyone who sees such activity is urged to call police at 540-658-4400.

Image via Stafford County Sheriff's Office