LEWES, Del. - The Delaware State Police have arrested two people from Ocean View for selling counterfeit gold bars and coins to victims throughout Sussex County.
According to police, detectives from the Financial Crimes Unit initiated an investigation on Oct. 24 after victims came forward and reported two suspects selling counterfeit gold bars and coins in Sussex County. After conducting interviews and examining evidence it was revealed that Paul Micaletti and Heather Micaletti both of Ocean View had allegedly sold more than $35,000.00 in counterfeit gold to victims who thought they were purchasing legitimate gold bars.
Police say the investigation revealed the victims had discovered the sale of these gold bars on an internet sales site where private sellers buy and sell various items. On July 31, one victim reportedly met with the suspects in Lewes to purchase gold bars for over $1,700.00. During the exchange the victim had 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 these gold bars were sold, the investigation revealed Heather Micaletti wanted to sell more of her counterfeit gold bars.
During the probe into this case detectives reportedly found that Paul Micaletti provided the victims with a copy of a fake invoice from a mint shop. The invoice was for more than 100 units of what was believed by the victims to be gold bars purchased by his father-in law for the amount of over $38,000.00. In October 2016 another victim then purchased more gold bars in the amount of over $8000.00. The victims allegedly made a combined purchase of counterfeit gold bars and coins for over $35,000.00.
During the investigation the gold bars and coins were appraised and tested. Detectives say those tests revealed the gold bars were all counterfeit.
On Oct. 27 search warrants were executed by the Delaware State Police Financial Crimes Unit with the assistance of the Ocean View Police Department which resulted in the arrest of both suspects and the seizure of additional counterfeit gold bars.
41-year-old Paul Micaletti and 34-year-old Heather Micaletti, both of Ocean View, were arrested at their home without incident and transported 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 $1500.00 and Conspiracy 2nd degree. Both were arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court 3 and released on $20,500.00 unsecured bail.
The Delaware State Police 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 (CRIMES) using the keyword "DSP" or via the internet at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com.
