Woman’s death closes counterfeiting case: attorney
BY BILL BIRD wbird@stmedianetwork.com February 17, 2012 11:20PM
Updated: May 9, 2012 10:16AM
Authorities expect to formally close a fashion accessory counterfeiting case, following the death of the woman accused in that crime.
Kimberly J. Frachey was arrested Jan. 3, 2011 by Naperville police on charges of drunken driving and selling or using at least 100 but fewer than 500 counterfeit items, after her sport utility vehicle allegedly yielded scores of counterfeit designer fashion accessories
A warrant was to have been issued for Frachey’s arrest when she failed to appear Feb. 14 for a hearing in DuPage County Circuit Court in Wheaton.
Frachey, 53, formerly of Yorkville, died Dec. 25, according to her attorney, Scott A. Brower, of Oak Brook.
Prosecutors from the state’s attorney’s office have been notified of Frachey’s death, as has Judge John J. Kinsella, who has presided over the case, Brower said Monday.
A copy of Frachey’s death certificate has not yet been entered into the court files, and thus the case technically remains open. Brower said he expects to have the certificate submitted to the court - and have the matter formally closed - within the next several weeks.
Naperville police, following the traffic stop, searched the interior of Frachey’s BMW X5 SUV. In it, they allegedly found a large assortment of knockoff purses, scarves and other fashion accessories purportedly made by Burberry, Coach and Louis Vuitton, among others.
Frachey allegedly told police she obtained the accessories in Chicago and was planning to sell them in the Naperville area. The total estimated value of the items was in the $1,000 range.
Frachey in April 1997 was ordered to perform community service work and placed on probation, after she pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance in Downers Grove.
She also pleaded guilty in January 1992 to a charge of retail theft, following her arrest in Oak Brook, records showed. She was placed on probation and fined in that case.
