HOUSTON — The owner and manager of Houston Jewelry Buyers were arrested Monday on federal trademark counterfeiting charges connected to the sale of at least $150,000 in counterfeit luxury goods. Michael Crouch, the owner, and Victor Manuel Ortega, the manager, were charged with trademark counterfeiting, a felony.

According to court records, investigators accused the two men of intentionally displaying, offering for sale, or possessing with intent to sell items bearing a counterfeit mark. The counterfeit items had a total value of at least $150,000 and less than $300,000. The pair knowingly sold counterfeit items bearing luxury brand marks including Rolex watches, Rolex clocks, Omega watches, Richard Mille watches, Audemars watches, Patek Philippe watches, Louis Vuitton jewelry, Louis Vuitton cases and wallets, and Cartier bracelets and earrings.

Ortega's bond was set at $30,000 and Crouch's bond was set at $20,000. Both have next court dates scheduled for Thursday, May 21. The investigation into the sale of counterfeit goods by Houston Jewelry Buyers remains ongoing.

According to the company website, Houston Jewelry Buyers describes itself as "Houston's premier pre-owned jewelry and watch seller and buyer" specializing in luxury brands including Rolex, Cartier, Patek Philippe, Breitling, Omega and Tag Heuer. The business also advertises high-end jewelry on its Facebook page.

Danny Aronov, co-owner of DJP Jewelers, said distinguishing authentic luxury pieces from counterfeits has grown difficult. "Today, the fakes are so good that it's almost impossible to tell by looking at it," he said. Aronov said reputable jewelers typically have equipment to test jewels and precious metals and may offer appraisals.

"Don't let too long pass until you test the pieces that you buy, just go and test right away within days," Aronov said.