Westfield shares more about sports memorabilia probe; seller committed suicide

WESTFIELD, Ind. (WISH) — Westfield Police Department has released more details as it continues to investigate a man who committed suicide during its investigation of the sale of counterfeit autographed sports memorabilia.

A search warrant was executed on July 15. The next day, the investigation led police to a home on Hoover Street. That’s where Brett Lemieux, 45, the founder of Mister Mancave, was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to the Hamilton County Coroner’s Office.

Lemieux, of Westfield, was the primary suspect in the case.

The investigation began in February after a woman in North Carolina reported receiving fraudulent merchandise from the company, the Westfield city government said in a news release issued Thursday. As the case progressed, more victims came forward, claiming they had purchased counterfeit memorabilia from Mister Mancave.

Police say a significant quantity of evidence was collected during the searches, including documentation and items related to the alleged counterfeit operation.

Investigators also say they are reviewing a social media post made by Lemieux before his death, which named other people potentially involved.

The case has received news coverage around the world because of the affect the fake sports memorabilia had on the market.

The Westfield Police Department say it’s working with authenticators to verify the seized items and is receiving assistance from the FBI. The department says it has strengthened its ability to pursue complex financial crimes through its partnership with the FBI White Collar Crimes Task Force.

Anyone with information was asked to contact Detective Don Bennett.

Previous coverage on WISHTV.com

• Westfield man found dead after police raid sports memorabilia store

Resources

Mental health resources

• Be Well Indiana
• Indiana Suicide Prevention
• Indiana Department of Child Services’ Children’s Mental Health Initiative
• National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988 or 800-273-8255
• More resources

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