Gaston County Authorities Want Changes After Stolen Goods Seized At Flea Market

A find of half-a-million-dollars worth of stolen goods may be a tipping point for Gaston County Police.

The stolen items were seized at the 321 Flea Market late Tuesday. On Wednesday police talked to the district attorney about what they can do to stop the constant cycle of finding stolen or counterfeit goods at the open air market.

Capt. Calvin Shaw said they often find illegal goods at the flea market sold by vendors allowed to set up shop.

Police said the one option given by the DA was to have the business declared a nuisance and force a change. Shaw said he wants to try first to work with the owners of the market.

He said there are some good vendors and customers at the market that opens on the weekends, but the problem comes when some people who shouldn't be there get in. He said the owner needs to take some responsibility.

On Tuesday, Gastonia police raided the business owned by Jerry and Gina Rayfield. Detectives said the father and daughter team purchased and sold hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of stolen items from their lot at the flea market. Sgt. Jimmy West said they would even put in orders with people who would steal the items they wanted for them.