Complaints about excessive speed and unsafe passing led to the arrest of a Staten Island, N.Y. man who local authorities suspect may have tried to sell counterfeit jewelry in the area.
According to a statement from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, deputies arrested Artour Katanov, 40, on Rt. 1 in Edgecomb around 5 p.m. May 12. Katanov is charged with Operating After Suspension and being a Fugitive From Justice.
During their investigation, deputies learned Katanov was wanted by the Stamford, Conn. Police Dept. on several theft offenses. It is alleged that in Stamford, Katanov and an accomplice sold stainless steel jewelry to jewelers; the jewelry had allegedly been treated with an extraordinary heavy plating in order to make it appear it was 18 karat gold.
During their investigation, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office has learned that while in Maine, Katanov has apparently made attempts to pass what is believed to be the same type of counterfeit jewelry as far south as Portland, north to Rockport and inland into the Lewiston and Augusta areas. It appears that in some instances Katanov has been successful in selling this jewelry in Maine to both pawn and jewelry businesses, according to the LCSO.
Any business that may have purchased jewelry from Katanov is urged to contact their local law enforcement agencies. Several agencies within the State of Maine are working together and new charges against Katanov are expected.
Katanov is described as a male standing 5’09” weighing 150lbs with black hair and brown eyes. He speaks with an obvious foreign accent and claims to be from Russia. Katanov was driving a black 2010 Hyundai Sonata with Maine Registration 2498QD and accompanied by a female.
Further information may be obtained by contacting Lieutenant Rand D. Maker at the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, 882-6576 or via email at rmaker@co.lincoln.me.us.
