Authorities allege that Capone, the owner of Overtime Promotions, and Parenti, the owner of Diamond Legends, were behind a fraudulent memorabilia scheme involving 1,138 fake items, including jerseys, helmets, footballs, and photos, valued at approximately $200,000.
The items, which were falsely “verified” by Branco, an employee of Beckett Authentication Services, were allegedly sold by the suspects for resale. The district attorney’s office said that Branco used his position to authenticate the fraudulent memorabilia as authentic.
The scheme came to light when Kelce hired TCH Humphreys LLC to manage the official signings at a private event at the Valley Forge Casino Hotel. Professional Sports Authenticator was the sole verification company for the event, but authorities say Branco used his Beckett credentials to create fake autographs, leading to the fraudulent sales.
Branco is accused of attending the event with Parenti, posing for a photo with Kelce to give legitimacy to the fake items. One victim, Joseph Bartolo, who runs a nonprofit for silent auctions, reported paying $4,700 for 40 signed items from Capone.
Beckett Authentication Services, which has since apologized, took immediate action, identifying the fraud and involving authorities. The company is offering full refunds to victims who submit claims for the fake memorabilia.
Beckett has filed a lawsuit against Parenti and Branco, and Capone was arraigned on charges and released on bail. Branco and Parenti are expected to surrender to Montgomery County detectives.
