Ex-Nike Promotional Product Manager Pleads Guilty to Selling Stolen Sneakers
In addition to criminal charges, Nike had sued Yamaguchi and others involved in the scheme. Yamaguchi settle his civil case by paying Nike an undisclosed amount, according to the article.
Yamaguchi worked as the promotional product manager for Nike's basketball division, making him responsible for "providing unique styles of Nike basketball shoes to famous athletes and other celebrities—as well as members of their entourages—to wear while in the public eye" from July 2006 to January 2012, according to a federal indictment filed July 9. During that time he ordered promotional and sample sneakers from Nike's China factory, taking some for himself to sell. When he left, he handpicked Tung Ho, 36, of Portland, to replace him—and allegedly continue the conspiracy for which Yamaguchi then became the middleman, earning a 20 percent cut on shoes he sold for Ho.
Amanda L. Cole is the editor-in-chief of NonProfit PRO. She was formerly editor-in-chief of special projects for NonProfit PRO's sister publication, Promo Marketing. Contact her at acole@napco.com.