In Norristown, Pennsylvania, authorities have charged three individuals in a shocking scheme involving fake memorabilia supposedly signed by Philadelphia Eagles star Jason Kelce. The Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office announced that these fake items, worth about $200,000, were being sold as authentic.
The suspects, Robert Capone, 51, of Philadelphia; LeeAnn Branco, 43, of Bristol, Rhode Island; and Joseph Parenti, 39, of Cranston, Rhode Island, are now facing 60 felony charges. These include forgery, theft, and deceptive business practices.
The investigation began in June 2024 after officials discovered over 1,100 fake items, like jerseys, helmets, hats, and footballs, all claimed to be signed by Kelce. These items were allegedly tied to a legitimate signing event that took place at the Valley Forge Casino Hotel on June 11-12, 2024.
According to authorities, the fraudulent items were being sold through two companies: Overtime Promotions, owned by Capone, and Diamond Legends, owned by Parenti. Branco, an employee of Beckett Authentication Services, was reportedly involved in verifying the fake memorabilia using her credentials.
To make the items seem legitimate, Branco allegedly attended the real signing event with Parenti. At the event, she even took a photo with Kelce, which was then used as supposed proof that the autographs were genuine. However, investigators revealed that these items were never actually signed by Kelce.
One victim of the scam, Joseph Bartolo, who runs a nonprofit organization that conducts silent auctions, shared his experience. He said he paid Capone $4,700 for 40 fake autographs, believing them to be authentic.
Beckett Authentication Services has since apologized to those affected. In an email, the company explained that an independent contractor had violated their protocols. Beckett assured customers that they are taking legal action and working to make things right. They have filed a lawsuit against Parenti and Branco and promised full refunds for the fraudulent items and shipping costs once claims are filed.
Meanwhile, Capone has already been arraigned and released on bail. Branco and Parenti are expected to surrender to Montgomery County Detectives soon.
This case serves as a cautionary tale for anyone buying sports memorabilia. It’s always worth double-checking the authenticity of such items, especially when money and trust are on the line.
