Man awaits trial for counterfeit WSU clothing

From staff reports

The man accused of selling counterfeit WSU gear outside of Martin Stadium during a football game last fall pleaded not guilty Friday, according to court documents.

Jeffrey Wigen, 35, faces a class c felony charge, counterfeiting, in the Whitman County Superior Court, according to court documents.

In the documents, WSU Police said Wigen tried to sell hundreds of unlicensed WSU and Seahawks t-shirts and sweatshirts, valued altogether at $15,520, in an RV lot outside of Martin Stadium during the game against UCLA on Oct. 14.

The merchandise included 742 shirts, which Wigen sold for $20 each, and 17 hooded sweatshirts, which he sold for $40 each, according to the case’s summary of facts.

When the officer initially searched Wigen’s car for the merchandise in October, Wigen originally said he only sold the one shirt that was visible to the police officer. The police officer then pulled out three purchased by Alyce Anderson, program administrative manager of WSU Trademark Licensing, who had reported the situation to the police, according to the summary of facts.

The defendant was released Feb. 24 by a commissioner without bail while he awaits his trial, which will start in April. There will be an omnibus hearing on March 17, according to the court documents.

The readiness hearing will be held at 10 a.m. on April 7, and the jury trial will begin at 9 a.m. on April 17.

Reporting by Katie Shadler