Philadelphia Man Sentenced for Selling $200K in Fake Jason Kelce Merchandise

The fan and his friend were caught in a scheme to defraud buyers with forged NFL memorabilia.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 11:41pm

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A Philadelphia man named Robert Capone has been sentenced to 5 years of probation and 100 hours of community service for attempting to sell $200,000 worth of fake merchandise associated with retired NFL star Jason Kelce. Capone admitted to selling over 1,100 fraudulent jerseys, helmets, and other items that he claimed were signed by Kelce. He received help from a friend, artist Alfred P. Sicoli, who pleaded guilty to forgery and received 3 years of probation.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing problem of counterfeit sports memorabilia, which can financially and emotionally harm fans who are defrauded. It also damages the reputation of the athletes whose names and likenesses are illegally used. The sentencing sends a message that such crimes will be prosecuted.

The details

Capone pleaded guilty to charges of theft by deception, deceptive business practices, conspiracy to commit theft by deception, and forgery in connection with the scheme. He has been ordered to pay back 80% of the nearly $72,000 he defrauded from fans. Sicoli, Capone's friend who helped forge the signatures, pleaded guilty to forgery and received 3 years of probation, 50 hours of community service, and was ordered to cover the remaining 20% of the restitution.

  • In June 2024, Capone was accused of attempting to sell $200,000 worth of fake Jason Kelce merchandise.
  • Capone pleaded guilty to his crimes in 2026.
  • Sicoli pleaded guilty to forgery in November 2025.

The players

Robert Capone

A Philadelphia man who admitted to selling over $200,000 worth of fake merchandise associated with retired NFL star Jason Kelce.

Alfred P. Sicoli

An artist who helped Capone forge signatures on the fake Kelce memorabilia and pleaded guilty to forgery.

Jason Kelce

A retired NFL star who played for the Philadelphia Eagles and had his name and likeness illegally used on the counterfeit merchandise.

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What they’re saying

“This was not about a grand scheme to make a million dollars — it was just me helping him do some things.”

— Alfred P. Sicoli, Capone's friend and co-conspirator

“Mr. Kelce is not here, but I have to believe there is damage to the player's reputation. It's more than just a person or an item. It's an industry.”

— Judge Risa Vetri Ferman

“I have embarrassed myself and embarrassed my family, and it will never happen again.”

— Robert Capone, Convicted fraudster

What’s next

The judge will monitor Capone's 5-year probation sentence to ensure he does not engage in any similar fraudulent activities in the future.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing problem of counterfeit sports memorabilia, which can financially and emotionally harm fans who are defrauded. It also damages the reputations of athletes whose names and likenesses are illegally used. The sentencing sends a strong message that such crimes will be prosecuted to protect consumers and the sports memorabilia industry.