Stafford, VA. Two suspects were apprehended on Thursday by the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office after selling fake jewelry out of their vehicle in the parking lot of a Wawa in the southern end of the county.

On January 3, 2019, at approximately 5:45 p.m., patrol units observed a male and female subject selling fake jewelry from their vehicle at the Wawa located at 9 South Gateway Drive. Deputies observed them selling two rings and a chain to gas station patrons. The suspect vehicle then exited the parking lot and began traveling on Warrenton Road.

In the area of Warrenton Road and Sanford Drive, First Sergeant Purcell activated his emergency equipment and initiated a traffic stop. After making contact with the driver, the first sergeant observed a 5-year-old child in the backseat who was not secured in a car seat or wearing a seat belt.

The driver of the vehicle was identified as Bobi Mardias, 27, of Lehigh Acres, Florida and the passenger as Tamara Calin, 35, of Baltimore, Maryland. Mardias admitted to selling fake jewelry. A search of the vehicle yielded several fake jewelry items, including gold rings, chains, and fake Rolex watches. The first sergeant also learned that Mardias did not have a valid driver’s license. The suspects were detained after units observed them stuffing money into the juvenile’s dress.

Additional units made contact with the victims of the fraudulent sale at the Wawa. The victims were under the impression that the rings and chains they purchased were real gold. The $260.00 they paid for the fake jewelry was returned to them by the suspects.

The suspects were subsequently released on summons. Mardias is charged with infringement of trademark, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, driving without a license, a traffic lane violation, and no child restraint. Calin is charged with infringement of trademark.

This is the second recent instance of fake jewelry scams in the area. The Sheriff’s Office is urging the public to be vigilant and to only buy jewelry from reputable businesses. Anyone who observes people trying to sell such items in the county is encouraged to contact the Sheriff’s Office at (540) 658-4400.