The Blotter

Published August 5, 2010 4:00am ET



$841k in fake items seized

Fairfax County police and federal agents seized $841,000 in knockoff merchandise, including jewelry, handbags and DVDs.

Police began an investigation of the Unique Thrift Store on the 2900 block of Gallows Road in December after receiving a citizen tip.

The goods were made in China, and slapped with designer labels ranging from Gucci and Rolex to Lacoste and Nike, police said.

Body in trunk still a mystery

D.C. police have not identified the body found in the trunk of a car that had been stored on the police impound lot last month.

Detectives are trying to find a blood relative for a positive DNA match, said Lt. Nicholas Breul.

Authorities have not determined a cause or manner of death, but there is nothing indicating that it was a homicide, Breul said.

The red Pontiac Sunbird convertible had been towed from the 1000 block of 18th Street NW last month.



Fake federal agent avoids jail

A 47-year-old man was sentenced to three years probation for impersonating a U.S. Secret Service agent to try to get into a federal building.

Frederick J. Nickerson attempted to get by the security guards and metal detectors at the Health and Human Services Department building in May by displaying a Secret Service badge, prosecutors said. In December, Nickerson impersonated a police officer to get into D.C. police headquarters, prosecutors said.

More semen attacks?

Police are seeking more women who might have been squirted with semen from a spray bottle.

Police allege that Michael W. Edwards Jr. sprayed semen on a shopper at the Michaels craft store in the Kentlands shopping center in November and at the Giant Food in Gaithersburg last month.

Cpl. Dan Friz, a Montgomery County police spokesman, said police believe there are other victims, but the women may not realize it.

Edwards has been released from jail after posting bond.

Compiled by Scott McCabe and Emily Babay