Two arrested for selling counterfeit gold bars in Sussex Co.
The Delaware State Police say they have arrested two people for selling counterfeit gold bars and coins to victims throughout Sussex County.
On October 24, Delaware State Police Detectives from the Financial Crimes Unit began an investigation after victims came forward and reported that two suspects were selling counterfeit gold bars and coins in Sussex County.
Officials say that after conducting interviews and examining evidence, they were able to find out Paul Micaletti and Heather Micaletti, both of Ocean View, had sold over $35,000 in counterfeit gold to victims who thought they were purchasing legitimate gold bars.
Investigators note that the victims found out about the sale of these gold bars on an internet sales site, where private sellers buy and sell various items.
According to the report, on July 31, one victim met with the suspects in Lewes to buy gold bars for over $1,700, and during the exchange, the victim had the two suspects sign and date a hand receipt stating the gold bars were legitimate.
Paul Micaletti also allegedly told victims that his father-in-law had passed away and that the gold bars and coins belong to his estate. After those were sold, investigators say they found out that Heather Micaletti wanted to sell more of her counterfeit gold bars.
During the probe into this case, officials say they discovered that Paul Micaletti gave the victims a copy of a fake invoice from a mint shop. The invoice apparently was for over 100 units of, what was believed by the victims to be, gold bars purchased by his father-in law for an amount of over $38,000.
In October, another victim says they bought more gold bars in the amount of over $8000. Officials say that the victims made a combined purchase of counterfeit gold bars and coins for over $35,000.
During the investigation the gold bars and coins were appraised and tested, and it was determined they were all counterfeit.
On October 27, search warrants were executed by the Delaware State Police Financial Crimes Unit, with the assistance of the Ocean View Police Department, which allowed both suspects to be apprehended, and all of the counterfeit gold bars to be seized.
Paul Micaletti, 41 of Ocean View, and Heather Micaletti, 34 of Ocean View, were arrested at their home without incident and taken 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, and conspiracy 2nd degree.
Both were arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court 3 and released on $20,500 unsecured bail.
The Delaware State Police say they would like to remind 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.
This incident remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police. If anyone has any information in reference to this incident or had similar transactions they are asked to contact Detective T. Shockley at 302-752-3812 or Troop 4 at 302-856-5850.
Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 using the keyword “DSP”, or via the internet.
