Forever the Sickest Kids’ Jonathan Cook Arrested for Selling Fake Rolex Watches

Jonathan Cook, lead singer for Forever the Sickest Kids, was arrested back in January for selling fake Rolex watches, Radio.com reports. The pop-punk frontman copped to the bust in a recent press release, and while the charges conjure images of dudes in trench coats peddling dicey merchandise in dark alleys, Cook is apparently a collector of antique watches, and he knew the Rolex he was selling was a fugazi. He just didn't know hawking a counterfeit timepiece -- "even if it is well known that the item is a fake," as he puts it -- is such a serious crime.

Cook's full statement is below, and while the arrest will no doubt cause him some embarrassment, it seems his legal troubles are behind him. Forever the Sickest Kids drop a new album in June, and this summer, the Dallas foursome hits the road on the 2013 Vans Warped Tour. Click here for a full list of dates.

I am writing this letter to apologize to my friends and fans for my recent arrest and charges against me for trademark counterfeiting, with attempted distribution of counterfeit Rolex watches.

Before being arrested, I was not aware of how serious such a transaction was and through my experience I have learned that it does not matter how or where I purchased the watches. Simply presenting an item for sale with a false trademark logo is a criminal offense, even if it is well known that the item is a fake.

I am now aware of the financial harm that the distribution of counterfeit property can cause to others, and that this activity is a very serious matter with serious consequences. As a result I will no longer participate in, nor support anyone that engages in this type of activity no matter what the counterfeit item is.

As a member of our band, Forever The Sickest kids, it has been my desire to be a positive role model to our friends and fans. As a result of this experience I would like this statement to be considered both informative and serve as a warning to other young people.

Sincerely,
Jonathan Cook