A former authentication service employee and two business owners stand at the center of a massive sports memorabilia scandal involving Philadelphia Eagles legend Jason Kelce.

According to 6abc Digital Staff, three individuals face multiple felony charges for allegedly selling approximately $200,000 worth of counterfeit Jason Kelce-signed memorabilia, including over 1,100 fraudulent items.

The Montgomery County District Attorney's Office has charged Robert Capone, LeeAnn Branco, and Joseph Parenti with 60 felony counts each. The charges encompass forgery, theft, and deceptive business practices stemming from a June 2024 investigation that uncovered an elaborate scheme involving fake autographs supposedly obtained at a Valley Forge Casino Hotel event.

Authentication Employee Exploits Position to Validate Fake Items

Investigators discovered that Branco, a 43-year-old employee of Beckett Authentication Services from Bristol, Rhode Island, allegedly misused her company credentials to authenticate counterfeit merchandise.

Her involvement extended beyond simple verification when she reportedly attended the signing event with co-defendant Parenti, strategically photographing herself with Kelce to legitimize her "in-the-presence authentication" claims for items that were never actually signed by the Eagles star.

The fraudulent operation involved two businesses: Overtime Promotions, owned by Philadelphia resident Robert Capone, and Diamond Legends, operated by Cranston, Rhode Island native Joseph Parenti. These companies allegedly coordinated their efforts to sell the fake memorabilia, which included jerseys, helmets, photos, and footballs.

The scheme particularly impacted individuals like Joseph Bartolo, who operates a nonprofit organization focusing on silent auctions. Bartolo fell victim to the fraud when he purchased 40 supposedly authentic autographs from Capone for $4,700.

Company Takes Swift Action to Address Fraudulent Activity

Beckett Authentication Services responded promptly to the situation by issuing an apology to affected customers. The company acknowledged the breach in their protocols and initiated legal proceedings against Parenti and Branco.

The authentication service has committed to making things right for victims of the fraud. They have announced plans to repurchase all fraudulent items and reimburse shipping costs once customers submit their claims.

TCH Humphreys LLC, a Royersford-based sports memorabilia company, held exclusive rights to conduct the official signing event at Valley Forge Casino Hotel. Professional Sports Authenticator served as the sole authorized verification company for the event, making any other authentication invalid.

Legal Proceedings Commence as Investigation Concludes

The investigation has entered its final phase with varying outcomes for the defendants. Capone has already faced arraignment and secured his release on bail, while Branco and Parenti are expected to surrender themselves to Montgomery County Detectives.

The scope of the fraud has drawn significant attention from law enforcement and the sports memorabilia community. The case highlights the sophisticated nature of memorabilia fraud and the importance of proper authentication protocols in the collectibles market.

The involvement of multiple states in this operation demonstrates the complex nature of sports memorabilia fraud schemes and the need for coordinated law enforcement response across jurisdictions.

High Stakes Memorabilia Scheme Reaches Resolution

Three individuals orchestrated a sophisticated fraud operation involving fake Jason Kelce-signed memorabilia, resulting in charges against Robert Capone, LeeAnn Branco, and Joseph Parenti.

The scheme, which operated through two businesses and exploited authentication service credentials, resulted in the sale of fraudulent items valued at approximately $200,000.

The case will proceed through the Montgomery County legal system, with Branco and Parenti expected to surrender to authorities while Capone awaits further proceedings following his release on bail. Beckett Authentication Services has initiated measures to compensate affected customers and has filed legal action against the involved parties.

Why This Story Matters

This case highlights the critical importance of authenticity in the collectibles market and the damaging impact of deceptive practices on consumers and businesses alike. It serves as a reminder for the community to remain vigilant and informed, protecting themselves against potential scams.

In conclusion, the exposure of this elaborate forgery ring in Montgomery County underscores the ongoing challenges within the memorabilia industry. As the community reels from the deceit, justice now awaits the trio accused while measures are taken to rectify the harm done to Jason Kelce's fans and the broader collectibles community.