Jacksonville Beach man sentenced for counterfeit sales

David Gruber's wife still sought

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A Jacksonville Beach man was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for selling counterfeit luxury items.

David Joseph Gruber, 53, also known as "China Dave," owned and operated a website through which he and his wife sold goods and products bearing counterfeit trademarks owned by Burberry, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Juicy Couture, Rolex, Hermes, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Tiffany & Co., Prada, Coach, Breitling, Nike and Fifth & Pacific Companies.

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The products included handbags, watches, shoes and clothing. Gruber purchased several pieces of real property with proceeds from his trafficking in counterfeit goods.

"These crimes impact our economy and businesses," said Susan L. McCormick, special agent in charge of HSI Tampa. "HSI special agents work relentlessly to protect intellectual property rights."

Gruber’s wife, Xiao Ling Liu, aka Shally Gruber, was also charged for her role in this case. 

She remains a fugitive.

In addition to the prison sentence, the court ordered David Gruber to forfeit three pieces of real property located in Jacksonville, which are traceable to proceeds of the offenses.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement administratively forfeited $42,217 from accounts held by Gruber, which were further proceeds of his offenses.

Gruber pleaded guilty in March 2016.