Alabama
April 20, 2006 - One suspect was arrested at
his home by members of the Huntsville Alabama
Police Department after failing to assist the
department in lieu of being arrested for piracy.
The suspect was stopped on March 30, 2006 by
the Huntsville Alabama Police Department
STAC team for speeding and not having a
license plate displayed. The offender had in his
possession narcotics and 892 piratical CD-Rs. At
the time of his arrest, a search of his house
revealed a lab with a seven CD-R unit burner and
an additional 25 piratical CD-Rs were seized and
other computer equipment.
March 15, 2006 - A street vendor in
Montgomery was observed selling
counterfeit CD-Rs and placed under arrest.
Seized from the suspect were 946 piratical
CDs and CD-Rs, 144 piratical DVDs, an
undisclosed amount of illegal narcotics and a
handgun.
March 5, 2006 - The Monroeville Alabama
Police were called to a domestic violence call
and during the investigation, the wife stated
that her husband made music CD-Rs and
sold them out of their home. Police, who had
attended previous piracy training at a seminar
in Birmingham found four CD-R burners,
128 master CD-Rs, computer equipment and
a receipt for blank CDs bought at Wal-Mart.
The defendant was arrested at the scene.
March 2, 2006 - A recidivist was convicted
in Mobile County Alabama District Court
and was sentenced to one year jail time
(suspended for two years probation), court
costs, a $2,000 fine and ordered to pay
$6,000 in restitution to the RIAA. The
defendant was first arrested in October 2005,
with 976 piratical CD-Rs in his possession
and again in December 2005 at the same
location with 574 piratical CD-Rs.
Arizona
March 20, 2006 - The Phoenix Police
Department, while conducting an illegal alien
smuggling investigation, discovered an illicit
music and movie distribution operation
inside a residence. A total of 1,532
counterfeit movie DVDs, 893 counterfeit
CDs and an unspecified amount of packaging
materials were recovered. The owner of the
residence was arrested on felony charges.
Arkansas
February 17, 2006 - The Fort Smith Police
Department executed a narcotics search warrant
and seized a pound of marijuana and 633
piratical CD-R from the owner of the residence.
The suspect was arrested and has charges
pending for narcotics and violation of the
Arkansas Actual Name and Address Statute.
California
April 23, 2006 - The Los Angeles County
Sheriff's Department conducted an enforcement
sweep at a high school swap meet in Los
Angeles County. RIAA investigators assisted
sheriff's deputies in seizing 819 pirate CDs, 837
piratical CD-Rs and 857 counterfeit movie
DVD-Rs. Deputies arrested three flea market
vendors selling illicit product at the location.
April 22, 2006 - The San Diego County
Sheriff's Department, with assistance from the
RIAA, raided a swap meet in San Diego and
seized 3,561 piratical CDs and 1,500 piratical
CD-Rs. A total of eight suspects were arrested at
the flea market on music piracy charges.
April 13, 2006 - The LAPD's Anti-Piracy Unit
seized 9,143 counterfeit CD-Rs and arrested one
suspect during the execution of a search warrant
at a residence suspected of being a distribution
operation in downtown Los Angeles.
April 13, 2006 - The San Diego Police
Department executed a search warrant at a
suspected residential burner lab in San Diego and
arrested an individual with a recent prior arrest
for music piracy. RIAA investigators assisted
in seizing 16 CD-R burners, 1,545 counterfeit
CD-Rs, 1,058 counterfeit movie DVD-Rs and
various raw materials inside the residence.
April 2006 - During the month of April, law enforcement
officers in California arrested 84 individuals on
music piracy charges. LAPD arrested 43
suspected music pirates in April. Additional
arrests were made by the Los Angeles County
Sheriff's Department, San Diego PD, San Diego
County Sheriff's Department, Oakland PD, Santa
Ana PD, Orange PD, Costa Mesa PD, Anaheim
PD, El Monte PD, Whittier PD, Ontario PD,
Rialto PD, San Bernadino County Sheriff's
Department and the California Highway Patrol.
March 30, 2006 - San Bernadino Sheriff's
Department detectives were executing a
search warrant involving identity theft crimes
and uncovered a burner lab inside a residence
in La Puente. Police seized 24 CD-R burners,
5,694 piratical music CD-Rs and raw
materials used in the manufacture of pirated
DVDs and CD-Rs. The primary suspect at
the location was arrested on felony charges.
March 26, 2006 - RIAA investigators
assisted the Los Angeles Police Department
in conducting raids at the Los Angeles City
College Swap Meet. As a result of this
action, 1,030 piratical music CDs and 289
music CD-Rs were seized by authorities and
four suspects were arrested at the scene.
March 23, 2006 - The Los Angeles County
Sheriff's deputies, assisted by the RIAA,
executed a search warrant at a residence in
East Los Angeles and seized 603 counterfeit
movie DVDs and 2,455 CDs (pressed high
quality product). The suspect was arrested on
felony charges.
March 22, 2006 - A Rialto barber shop was
raided by detectives from the San Bernadino
Police Department following undercover
buys that resulted in the execution of a search
warrant and seizure of 1,927 counterfeit
CD-Rs and 444 counterfeit movie DVDs.
The arrested suspect is a parolee with felony
convictions for selling PCP drugs and for
participation in a criminal street gang,
according to court records. He was arrested
and held without bail.
March 22, 2006 - RIAA investigators
assisted the Los Angeles Police Department
in conducting a raid at an indoor mall in
downtown Los Angeles. The officers arrested
seven vendors selling pirated music and
seized 6,790 counterfeit CD-Rs during the
raid.
March 16, 2006 - The Los Angeles Police
Department's Anti-Piracy Unit, assisted by
RIAA investigators, executed a search
warrant at a burner lab in Sun Valley. This
action resulted in the seizure of 28 CD-R
burners, 1,678 counterfeit CD-Rs and 1,734
counterfeit movie DVDs. The two suspects at
the location were arrested on felony charges.
March 15, 2006 - RIAA investigators
assisted the Los Angeles County Sheriff's
Department in the execution of a search
warrant at a distribution location in East Los
Angeles. Authorities seized 13,976
counterfeit and piratical CDs (pressed high
quality product) and arrested five suspects at
the location on felony charges.
March 3, 2006 - RIAA investigators
assisted the Anaheim Police Department in
executing a search warrant in downtown
L.A.'s infamous "Santee Alley" and
recovered 7,374 counterfeit and piratical
CD-Rs. Anaheim Police developed
information from a street vendor arrested in
Orange County and traced the source of the
pirate product to the distribution location in
Los Angeles.
March 2006 - In total, during the month of March, law
enforcement officers in California arrested
90 music pirates engaged in the distribution,
sale or manufacture of pirate product. LAPD
officers made 46 music piracy arrests during
March. Other arresting agencies included the
L.A. County Sheriff's Department, San
Bernadino PD and San Bernadino County
Sheriff's Department, Anaheim PD, Santa
Maria PD, Pasadena PD, Hawthorne PD,
Chino PD, Huntington Park PD, Indio PD,
Ontario PD, CHP officers, San Luis Obispo
Sheriff's Department, San Diego PD, and
Sacramento PD. These enforcement actions
netted more than 70,000 counterfeit and
piratical music CDs and CD-Rs seized during
the month of March.
February 2005 - During the month of February, law enforcement
officers arrested 68 music pirates engaged in the
sale of counterfeit goods. The Los Angeles
Police Department topped the chart for most
handcuff actions during the month with arrests
from other branches including the L.A. County
Sheriff's Department, Santa Barbara County
Sheriff's Department, the Mountain View Police
Department, Sacramento PD, Anaheim PD,
Buena Park PD, Costa Mesa PD, Orange PD,
Santa Ana PD, Ontario PD, Chino PD, Riverside
County Sheriff's Department, San Bernadino PD,
Calexico PD and the San Diego PD.
More than 37,000 counterfeit/piratical music
CDs and CD-Rs were seized by police and/or
recovered by RIAA investigators during the
enforcement actions. RIAA investigators
supplemented law enforcement arrests with civil
enforcement actions taken in February against
twelve music retail stores in Los Angeles and
San Diego counties.
Connecticut
February 9, 2006 - RIAA investigators
assisted the Waterbury Police Department in the
execution of a search warrant at a retail music
store on Main Street also operating as a CD
burning lab resulting in one arrest and the seizure
of six CD-R burners and 2,250 piratical CD-Rs.
Delaware
April 20, 2006 - During an investigation into a
retail store, Wilmington Police conducted a raid
at the location and seized a total of 418
counterfeit and piratical CD-Rs, numerous
amounts of counterfeit clothing and an
unspecified amount of counterfeit DVD-Rs.
RIAA and MPAA investigators responded to the
station to assume custody of audio / video
evidence and one suspect was arrested and
charged accordingly
March 2, 2006 - A recidivist was arrested
during a routine traffic stop when Delaware
River & Bay Authority Police observed
illegal CDs inside the vehicle. Police
recovered 160 counterfeit CD-Rs and RIAA
investigators respond to the station to
identify the evidence. RIAA investigators
were informed that a search warrant would
be served at the suspect’s home.
Florida
April 13, 2006 Members of the Miami Police
Department , while on quality of life
enforcement, responded to a video store on 17th
Avenue. The Motion Picture Association of
America assisted Miami Police at the retail
location which resulted in the arrest of one
individual and the seizure of 3,246 counterfeit
CD-Rs, 1,981 counterfeit movie DVDs and four
CD-R towers containing 27 CD-R burners.
March 19, 2006 - RIAA investigators
assisted the Orlando Police Department with
flea market enforcement at the Central
Florida Fair in Orlando. This resulted in the
arrest of eight offenders and the seizure of
8,216 counterfeit CD-Rs, 184 molded CDs,
677 counterfeit music DVDs, 203 music
MP3s, and 829 counterfeit movie DVDs.
January 28, 2006 - RIAA investigators
assisted members of the Okeechobee Sheriff’s
Department in vendor enforcement and arrested
two suspects at a flea market on US Highway
441 South in Okeechobee. Seized as a result
were 3,500 CD-Rs and 300 counterfeit movie
DVDs. Following the seizure, RIAA
investigators assisted members of the
Okeechobee Sheriff's Department on January 31
in a consensual search at a hotel on North Parrott Avenue associated to the arrest made at the flea
market. The search resulted in one arrest and 15
CD-R burners, 1,000 counterfeit CD-Rs, 30
molded CDs and 400 blank CD-Rs were seized.
January 20, 2006 - The Motion Picture
Association of America assisted members of the
Volusia County Sheriff's Office in enforcement
actions against a vendor manufacturing and
selling CD-Rs & DVDs from a gas station on
North Nova Road in Daytona Beach. The
enforcement resulted in the arrest of one suspect
and the seizure of 1,201 counterfeit CD-Rs, 228
counterfeit movie DVDs, 14 CD-R burners, a
television and one VHS/DVD player. RIAA
investigators responded to the Volusia County
Sheriff's Office regarding the examination of the
CD-Rs seized and providing depositions to the
arresting officer.
January 18, 2006 - A Pensacola defendant was
sentenced to five years probation, $919 in fines
and court costs and $3,300 in restitution to the
RIAA as the result of a raid in May of 2005 at
the Pensacola Flea Market. Led by a joint
operation consisting of members of the Escambia
County State Attorney’s Office, the Escambia
Sheriff’s Office, the RIAA and the MPAA, 4,062
piratical CD-Rs and fourteen vehicles used to
transport the goods were seized. An unspecified
number of CD-R burners were also seized at the
time of his arrest.
Georgia
April 28, 2006 - Members of the Atlanta
Police Department acting on intelligence that a
store front location was engaged in the sale of
narcotics and illegal CDs, seized 4,165
counterfeit compact discs and 2,605 counterfeit
DVDs. The store owner offered to cooperate
with police in reference to the narcotics found in
his store. In lieu of his cooperation the police did
not charge him with the sound recording
violations.
March 24, 2006 - The Atlanta Police
executed a search warrant on Stone Hogan
Road and discovered a CD burner lab in
operation by two individuals who were
arrested on the scene. Uncovered as a result
of this investigation were 7,160 piratical
CD-Rs, 4,035 counterfeit movie DVD-Rs
and 35 CD-R burners. During the
investigation, the Atlanta Police Department
developed probable cause on an office next
door that later resulted in the seizure of three
lbs of marijuana, various firearms and the
arrest of eight suspects.
March 10, 2006 - The Atlanta Police
Department executed a search warrant at the
USA Flea Market and discovered two booths
selling pirated music. A total of 2,004
piratical CD-Rs, 185 counterfeit movie
DVD-Rs and a tower with 8 CD-R burners
were seized. The operator of the first booth
was arrested on the scene. The second booth
was found unoccupied and it is unknown
who the owner was.
February 5, 2006 - The Jefferson Police
Department seized 3,046 counterfeit CDs from
the Pendergrass Flea Market.
January 14, 2006 - After a brief investigation,
members of the Atlanta Police Department,
assisted by the RIAA, executed a search and
seizure warrant at a known distribution location
located on Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard.
During the operation a total of 5,975 counterfeit
CD-Rs, 2,980 counterfeit movie DVDs and 93
CD / DVD burners were seized from three
locations within the flea market. Arrested on the
scene were four suspects who were transported
to central booking for further processing.
January 11, 2006 - Atlanta Police were
conducting a narcotics investigation on a retail
store located on Cascade Road in Atlanta.
During their investigation, the officers arrested
the owner on narcotics charges and uncovered a
distribution operation run from a back room in
the store. A total of 14,749 piratical CD-Rs and
4,440 piratical movies were recovered from the
location. The suspect is cooperating with police
and no further charges will be filed.
Illinois
April 5, 2006 - Following an investigation by
RIAA investigators, RIAA and MPAA
investigators joined Harvey police in a sweep of
several different local retail stores. The sweep
resulted in three arrests and the seizure of 879
counterfeit and piratical CD-Rs, 882 counterfeit
movie DVD-Rs and eight CD/DVD burners.
February 26, 2006 - RIAA and MPAA
investigators assisted Chicago Police with
the execution of a search warrant at the home
of a manufacturer, who is also a recidivist.
Officers contacted RIAA and MPAA
investigators after receiving the information
from a confidential informant. RIAA
investigators and police confiscated 1,479
counterfeit and piratical CD-Rs, 1,273
counterfeit movie DVD-Rs, 23 CD-R
burners, three boxes of empty CD & DVD
jewel cases and three printer / scanners. A
large quantity of marijuana was also
confiscated from the home. The suspect was
arrested and charged accordingly.
February 26, 2006 - A bad beat tip received by
the RIAA regarding a Chicago retail store selling
counterfeit items lead to a seizure by the Chicago
Police Department. Confiscated during this
enforcement action were a total of 2,122
counterfeit and piratical CD-Rs, 728 counterfeit
movie DVD-Rs and 28 CD/DVD burners. RIAA
investigators and confidential informants made
several undercover buys at the location before
informing the Chicago police.
January 29, 2006 - Information was provided
to RIAA Investigators that a large quantity of
illegal music CDs and movie DVDs were being
sold at a flea market in Matteson. Investigators
went to the location and made an undercover
purchase and contacted the Matteson police who
upon their arrival, seized 4,313 counterfeit and piratical CD-Rs. Both of the suspects on the
scene were arrested and charged with felony
violations and it was later discovered that the
CDs were shipped from Los Angeles to
Matteson via Federal Express mail.
Kentucky
April 7, 2006 - The Louisville FBI responded
to a complaint regarding the illegal reproduction
of sound recordings and movies. Upon gaining
consent from a "knock and talk", agents located a
burner lab in the suspect's residence. Agents
seized 27 CD-R burners, 4,000 piratical
CD-Rs and 5,957 counterfeit movie DVDs. The
AUSA is preparing to indict the subject.
February 2, 2006 - The Lexington Police
Department executed a search warrant after
receiving information of a possible burner lab
operation. Upon entry into the suspect's
residence, three CD-R burners, 291 Pirated
CD-Rs and 17 counterfeit movie DVDs were
seized. The owner confessed to the
manufacturing and distribution of the items and
was charged under Kentucky's True Name and
Address Statute.
Maryland
April 11, 2006 - RIAA investigators and the
Baltimore City Police Department executed a
search warrant at a local retail store. A total of
1,642 counterfeit and piratical CD-Rs and 1,200
counterfeit movie DVD-Rs were seized. The
storeowner and sales clerk (both recidivists)
were arrested and charged accordingly.
April 2, 2006 - While on routine patrol,
officers with the Baltimore City Police
Department observed an individual selling
counterfeit CD-Rs and DVD-Rs from the trunk
of his vehicle. The suspect was arrested and
charged, and 1,175 counterfeit and piratical
CD-Rs and 440 counterfeit movie DVD-Rs were
seized. RIAA investigators responded to the
station and assumed custody of the evidence.
March 19, 2006 - The Maryland State
Police made a traffic stop as a result of a
speeding violation. During the stop, another
driver approached the officer and stated that
the suspect in the vehicle hit his car and fled
the area. The suspect was driving on a
suspended license and placed under arrest.
An inventory of the vehicle revealed 2,828
counterfeit and piratical CD-Rs as well as
728 counterfeit movie DVD-Rs. RIAA
investigators responded to the station to sign
complaints and assume custody of the
evidence.
March 10, 2006 - The Baltimore City
Organized Crime Division, with the help of
RIAA investigators, executed two search
warrants at residential locations. Officers and
RIAA investigators confiscated 4,986
counterfeit and piratical CD-Rs, several
thousand DVD-Rs, one laptop computer and
other equipment relative to distribution
operations from the locations. Also seized
were two vehicles used in the operation and
four suspects were charged with various anti-
piracy violations.
March 3, 2006 - A Baltimore recidivist
pleaded guilty to two counts of music piracy
and one count for movie piracy. The suspect
was ordered to pay $500 in restitution to the
RIAA and $500 in restitution to the MPAA.
As the defendant was in violation of his
federal probation he was re-sentenced to five
years in federal prison. At the time of the
suspects arrest, the Baltimore City police
seized 175 counterfeit CD-Rs and 184
counterfeit movie DVD-Rs.
February 17, 2006 - A Baltimore man was
found guilty of one count of TNA in Maryland
State District Court and sentenced to six months
in jail. The conviction was the result of the
defendants arrest in July of 2005 after the
Baltimore City Police Department observed the
defendant selling counterfeit CDs out the back of
his vehicle. A total of 1,171 counterfeit and
piratical CD-Rs and 176 counterfeit movie
DVD-Rs were seized at time of arrest.
January 26, 2006 - A Baltimore city man was
convicted with two charges for the unauthorized
sale of counterfeit music and movies. He was
sentenced to eight months in jail. The Baltimore
City Police Department confiscated 218
counterfeit CD-Rs and 61 counterfeit movie
DVD-Rs during the time of his arrest.
January 25, 2006 - Maryland man was
convicted and sentenced to 18 months in prison
and 18 months probation resulting from an arrest
by the Baltimore City Police after they observed
the defendant at a local flea market selling illegal
CDs and DVDs. At the time of his arrest,
officers seized 555 counterfeit and piratical CD-
Rs and 226 counterfeit movie DVD-Rs.
January 24, 2006 - A Baltimore man was
recently found guilty for the sale of illegal music
and movies and given a sentence of one year jail
time, one year probation and fined $5,000. This
conviction is the result of the defendant’s
September 2005 arrest after the Baltimore City
Police Department executed a search warrant at
the defendant’s place of business and confiscated
5,995 counterfeit and piratical CD-Rs and 1,740
counterfeit movie DVD-Rs.
January 24, 2006 - A Baltimore store owner
received a seven year (suspended) prison
sentence and five years probation after he was
convicted in Baltimore City Circuit Court for the
sale of counterfeit music and movies. This
conviction and sentence is the result of
defendant’s arrest in November of 2005 after the
Baltimore City Police Department searched his
business and confiscated 5,517 counterfeit and
piratical CD-Rs and 1,400 counterfeit movie
DVD-Rs.
Michigan
April 26, 2006 - A Michigan man was
convicted and sentenced to 24 months probation
and ordered to pay $10,000 restitution to the
RIAA and $10,000 restitution to the MPAA. The
conviction and sentence was the result of
defendant’s arrest in November of 2004, where
the Detroit Police Department and RIAA
investigators confiscated 7,535 counterfeit
CD-Rs, numerous DVD-Rs, 18 CD-R burners,
computer equipment, and two handguns from his
residence. It is reported that this is the largest
restitution award for this type of crime in the
State of Michigan to date.
April 22, 2006 - Detroit police conducted a
traffic stop on a vehicle traveling 90 mph in a 55
mph zone. While interviewing the driver,
officers smelled a distinct odor of alcohol and
the driver was asked to perform a road sobriety
test. The driver was taken into custody when it
was determined she was intoxicated. Subsequent
to the arrest, the suspect’s vehicle was searched
and officers observed several CD and DVD cases
on the front seat. Officers informed RIAA and
MPAA investigators and requested they report to
the station to identify evidence. Investigators
identified and seized 1,274 counterfeit and
piratical CD-Rs and 1,044 counterfeit movie
DVD-Rs from the suspect’s vehicle. Following
the interview with the suspect, a warrant was
obtained and executed at the suspect’s residence
where an additional 529 counterfeit and piratical
CD-Rs, 653 counterfeit movie DVD-Rs, seven
CD/DVD burners, one computer, an all-in-one
printer/scanner/copier/fax, and two firearms were
seized. The suspect has been charged with
several felony violations.
April 13, 2006 - After following a tip and
making an undercover purchase from a
residence, the Wayne County Sheriff’s
Department, assisted by MPAA investigators,
conducted a raid on the residence and
confiscated 66 counterfeit and piratical CD-Rs,
14 CD/DVD-R burners and 4,032 counterfeit
movie DVD-Rs. Also seized from the residence
were two computers, one scanner, one printer
and one copier. The owners of the residence
were arrested and charged with felony violations.
April 5, 2006 - A Detroit recidivist was
arrested after Michigan State Police conducted a
traffic stop and observed illegal CD-Rs inside
the vehicle. RIAA investigators were requested
to report to the Federal Bureau of Investigation
in Bay City to inventory the CD-Rs.
Investigators confirmed the illegality of 1,839
counterfeit and piratical CD-Rs. Agents
informed investigators that the suspect admitted
to the continued sales of counterfeit CDs and
DVDs since his arrest in January 2006, in which
police seized 8,024 counterfeit and piratical
CD-Rs and 1,389 counterfeit DVD-Rs.
March 30, 2006 - RIAA investigators
were contacted by Detroit police and
informed that police had arrested a suspect
for the sale of what was believed to be
bootleg CDs and DVDs. RIAA and MPAA
investigators responded to the Western
District Station and confirmed that 722
counterfeit and piratical CD-Rs as well as
511 counterfeit movie DVD-Rs were
unauthorized copies. Investigators were
given the opportunity to interview the
suspect who then provided a name and phone
number of a distributor / manufacturer of
CD-Rs and DVD-Rs. This case is still under investigation
March 29, 2006 - The Eastern District of
the Detroit Police Department, assisted by
RIAA and MPAA investigators, conducted a
plain view seizure at the Conner Flea Market
in Detroit. A total of 1,527 counterfeit and
piratical CD-Rs, 455 counterfeit movie
DVD-Rs and seven CD/DVD burners were
seized from one vendor. Prior to the raid,
MPAA investigators had made several
undercover purchases of DVDs and informed
RIAA investigators after observing the
CD-Rs. The vendor was arrested and charged
accordingly.
March 22, 2006 - A Michigan
manufacturer pleaded guilty in the Wayne
County Circuit Court and was sentenced to
24 months probation and ordered to pay
$1,500 restitution to the RIAA and $1,500
restitution to the MPAA as well as $900 in
court costs. The defendant was arrested
during a traffic stop where the Detroit Police
Department observed 1,957 counterfeit CD-
Rs, 1,747 counterfeit movie DVD-Rs and
eight CD-R burners inside his vehicle.
March 13, 2006 - A Michigan woman was
sentenced to 24 months probation and
ordered to pay $1,500 restitution to the RIAA
after pleading guilty to felony charges of
music piracy. The defendant was arrested in
January of 2006 after the Detroit Police
Department identified the suspect at the site
of a raid with narcotics in her vehicle. Seized
from her vehicle were a total of 630
counterfeit and piratical CD-Rs.
February 22, 2006 - RIAA and MPAA
investigators were contacted by the Harper
Woods Police Department to assist in an
investigation of music piracy that started in
January of 2006. The suspect was arrested at a
Shell Gas Station in Harper Woods where he was
in possession of 75 counterfeit CD-Rs and 20
counterfeit movie DVD-Rs. A subsequent
warrant at the suspect’s residence by the police
revealed an additional 4,869 counterfeit and
piratical CD-Rs, 1,658 counterfeit movie
DVD-Rs, three CD/DVD-R burners and two
computers. Also seized from the residence were
three firearms, four bags of Marijuana, one bag
of Crack Cocaine and one bag of an unknown
powder.
January 29, 2006 - A recidivist was arrested at
the County Line Flea Market in Warren. RIAA
Investigators made several undercover buys from
the vendor and informed police of the illegal
activity. Upon their arrival, officers confiscated
3,132 counterfeit and piratical CD-Rs, 383 counterfeit movie DVD-Rs, 10 CD / DVD
burners, one CD player and one DVD / MP3
player. The suspect and his brother were arrested
and charged accordingly.
January 19, 2006 - A Detroit man was arrested
after police observed numerous music CDs and
movie DVDs inside his vehicle during a routine
traffic stop. Police notified RIAA investigators
and requested help with identifying the evidence.
RIAA investigators responded to the Detroit
Police Department and confirmed the illegality
of 1,957 counterfeit and piratical CD-Rs. A total
of 1,747 counterfeit movie DVD-Rs and eight
CD / DVD burners were also seized.
January 19, 2006 - During a routine traffic
stop, a Michigan State Trooper observed CDs
and DVDs inside the suspect’s vehicle. The
driver admitted to the Trooper that he
manufactures, distributes and sells counterfeit
music and movies and was arrested accordingly.
The Trooper notified FBI agents and the suspect
agreed to a search of his residence where several
CDs, DVDs and other manufacturing equipment
were found at which point, RIAA investigators
were requested to report to the FBI office to
identify and inventory the evidence. Confiscated
from the offender’s vehicle and residence were a
total of 8,024 counterfeit and piratical CD-Rs,
1,389 counterfeit movie DVD-Rs, 14 CD / DVD
burners, 300 blank CD-Rs, 950 blank DVD-Rs,
90 empty jewel cases and 250 CD / DVD paper
sleeves.
January 19, 2006 - A Detroit man was arrested
after police observed numerous music CDs and
movie DVDs inside his vehicle during a traffic
stop. Police notified RIAA Investigators who
responded to the request for help with
identifying the evidence and confirmed the
illegality of 1,957 counterfeit and piratical
CD-Rs, 1,747 counterfeit movie DVD-Rs and
eight CD / DVD burners, all of which were
seized.
Minnesota
January 29, 2006 - An informant advised
RIAA Investigators that counterfeit CDs were
being sold at the Minneapolis Convention
Center. RIAA investigators went to the
convention center and conducted a voluntary
surrender agreement at a booth and confiscated
605 counterfeit and piratical CD-Rs. This case
and the suspects involved are still under
investigation.
Nevada
April 19, 2006 - Troopers from the Nevada
Highway Patrol arrested three suspects during
routine traffic stops and seized 2,367 counterfeit CD-
Rs and 56 pressed CDs.
New Jersey
February 18, 2006 - A Wildwood hair salon
owner was arrested after Wildwood Police
Department executed a search warrant at the
business. Police seized 1,980 counterfeit and
piratical CD-Rs and 1,792 counterfeit movie
DVD-Rs.
New York
April 25, 2006 - The New York Police
Department’s 30th Precinct, assisted by the
RIAA, executed a search warrant at a burner lab
in New York City. As a result, five suspects
were arrested and two towers containing five
CD/DVD burners, 1,150 piratical CD-Rs, and
307 counterfeit music DVD-Rs were seized.
April 14, 2006 - The New York Police
Department’s 67th Precinct, assisted by the
RIAA, executed a search warrant at a CD burner
lab located on Church Avenue in Brooklyn. The
enforcement action resulted in the arrest of three
suspects and the seizure of eight CD-R burners,
10,396 piratical CD-Rs, 204 counterfeit CD-Rs,
and 210 counterfeit movie DVDs.
April 13, 2006 - The New York Police
Department, Midtown South, assisted by the
RIAA, conducted enforcement action at a
distribution location on West 39 Street in New
York City. Seized in connection to the
enforcement action were a total of 8,900
counterfeit/piratical CD-Rs and 7,400 counterfeit
movie DVD-Rs.
April 6, 2006 - The New York Police
Department’s Midtown South Precinct, assisted
by the RIAA investigators conducted
enforcement action at a distribution location on
West 35th Street in New York City. As a result,
two suspects were arrested and 11,120
counterfeit/piratical CD-Rs and 5,750 counterfeit
DVD-Rs were seized.
April 6, 2006 - Also on this date, the New York Police
Department’s 1st Precinct, assisted by the RIAA,
executed a search warrant at a distribution
location on Canal Street in New York City and
arrested two suspects. Seized as a result were
6,880 counterfeit and piratical CD-Rs.
April 13, 2006 - The New York Police
Department’s 40th Precinct, assisted by RIAA
investigators, executed a search warrant at a
burner lab located on West 146 Street in New
York City. Resulting from the enforcement
action were one arrest and the seizure of two
DVD/CD towers containing 14 CD-R burners,
785 piratical CD-Rs, 1,518 counterfeit movie
DVD-Rs, 100 master CDs, and raw materials.
April 3, 2006 - As part of an ongoing
investigation into "Operation Deceitful Wares"
the New York Police Department’s Organized
Crimes Investigations Division, along with the
United States Secret Service ECTF, executed
seven state search warrants at a building on
Broadway in New York City. As a result, eight
suspects were arrested and charged. Seized in
total as a result of the enforcement actions were a
total of 20,800 counterfeit CD-Rs, 71,428
counterfeit movie DVDs, 5,597 counterfeit
handbags, 2,866 counterfeit sneakers, 900
counterfeit wallets, 770 counterfeit sunglasses,
206 counterfeit boots, 176 counterfeit shoes and
$9,898 in US currency. Several of the trademarks
violated included Coach, Louis Vitton, Kate
Spade, Prada, Gucci, Fendi, Nike and
Timberland.
April 2, 2006 - RIAA investigators assisted
the New York Police Department's 13th Precinct
in enforcement action on West 28th Street in
New York City that resulted in one arrest and the
seizure of 16,600 counterfeit/piratical CD-Rs and
4,000 counterfeit movie DVD-Rs.
March 16, 2006 -The Spring Valley Police
Department, along with the RIAA, executed
a search warrant at a burner lab located on
North Main Street resulting in one arrest and
the seizure of five towers consisting of 11
CD-R burners, two printers, assorted raw
material, 1,300 piratical CDs, 1,200 pirated
CD-Rs and 500 counterfeit CDs.
March 16, 2006 - At another location, also on this date, the
Spring Valley Police Department along with
the RIAA, executed a search warrant at a
burner lab also located on North Main Street
resulting in one arrest and the seizure of one
tower consisting of eight CD-R burners,
1,245 piratical CD-Rs, and various raw
materials.
March 14, 2006 - The 67th Precinct of the
New York Police Department, along with the
RIAA, executed a search warrant at a CD-R
burner lab located on Church Street in
Brooklyn resulting in two arrests and the
seizure of seven towers containing 46 CD-R
burners, 3,200 piratical CD-R, three
computers, two laptops, one mirage printer,
one laser printer and a loaded 9mm handgun.
March 13, 2006 - RIAA investigators
assisted the New York police with
enforcement on West 37th Street in New
York City. This action resulted in two arrests
and the seizure of 12,600 counterfeit and
piratical CD-Rs and 4,300 counterfeit movie
DVD-Rs.
March 10, 2006 - The 70th Precinct of the
New York Police Department conducted
enforcement action at a retail store in
Brooklyn. This resulted in one arrest and the
seizure of 56 CD-R burners, 1,300
counterfeit and piratical CD-Rs and 450
movie DVD-Rs.
March 9, 2006 - RIAA investigators
assisted the Bronx District Attorneys Squad
in the execution of a search warrant at a
burner lab on Morris Avenue. This warrant
resulted in one arrest and the seizure of 25
CD-R burners, 900 counterfeit and piratical
CD-Rs, 100 counterfeit music DVDs and
2,600 counterfeit movie DVDs.
March 9, 2006 - The New York Police
Department’s 25th Precinct, assisted by the
RIAA, executed a search warrant at a storage
unit acting as a distribution location on Park
Avenue in New York City. Seized as a result
were 4,000 counterfeit CD-Rs, 4,800
piratical CD-Rs and 2,800 counterfeit movie
DVD-Rs.
March 8, 2006 - RIAA investigators
assisted the Brooklyn District Attorneys
Squad in the execution of a search warrant at
a burner lab on Patchen Avenue. The warrant
resulted in one arrest and the seizure of 80
CD- R burners, 5,850 counterfeit and
piratical CD-Rs, one rimage printer, 5,000
insert labels and 1,980 counterfeit movie
DVDs.
March 8, 2006 - At a separate location,
RIAA investigators assisted the Brooklyn
District Attorneys Squad in the execution of
a search warrant at a distributor location on
Bedford Avenue in Brooklyn. This warrant
resulted in the seizure of 5,600 counterfeit
and piratical CD-Rs, 2,600 counterfeit music
DVDs and 14,500 counterfeit movie DVDs.
March 7, 2006 - RIAA investigators
received information from the Suffolk
County District Attorney's Rackets Bureau
that a Queen’s man pled guilty to a felony
and was sentenced to 1 1/2 years in state
prison. The suspect was arrested in August of
2003 with 725 counterfeit CD-Rs in his
possession and again in July of 2004 with 48
counterfeit CD-Rs and 225 piratical CD-Rs.
March 2, 2006 - The New York Police
Department’s Organized Crimes
Investigations Division, along with RIAA
and MPAA investigators, conducted multiple
search warrants in Brooklyn. This first
enforcement action on Vernon Avenue
resulted in the arrest of three suspects and the
seizure of 69 CD-R burners, 1,200 piratical
DJ mix CD-Rs, 1,606 counterfeit movie
DVD-Rs, a laptop computer, one printer and
several boxes of raw materials.
March 2, 2006 - A second operation was led on
Fulton Street. This action resulted in the
arrest of one suspect and the seizure of 28
CD-R burners, 16,900 piratical DJ mix CD-
Rs, 1,900 music DVD-Rs, 9,909 counterfeit
movie DVD-Rs and boxes of various raw
materials. Also on Fulton Street, a further warrant led
to the arrest of another suspect and the
seizure of seven burners and 5,100
counterfeit movie DVD-Rs. A seizure at a
third location on Fulton Street resulted in the
seizure of 35 burners, 10,300 piratical DJ
mix CD-Rs, 1,400 music DVD-Rs and 7,105
counterfeit movie DVD-Rs.
March 2006 - The enforcement actions in the state of New
York resulted in the seizure of more than
70,895 counterfeit and piratical CD-Rs,
56,350 counterfeit movie DVDs and 365
CD / DVD Burners.
February 20, 2006 - The Suffolk County Police
Department’s 1st Precinct Crime Section, along
with the RIAA, executed a search warrant at a
burner lab located at 325 Merritt Ave in
Wyandanch, resulting in the arrest of one suspect
who is known to be a gang member. Seized from
the lab were five CD-R burners, 1,050 piratical
CD-Rs, 255 counterfeit music DVDs, two
printers, 111 master CDs, 200 blank CD-Rs,
$20,000 in US currency and 140 counterfeit
movie DVDs as well as other trademarks that
included Duracell Batteries, Nike and Reebok.
February 16, 2006 - The New York Police
Department's Organized Crimes Investigations
Division Unit executed a search warrant on
Broadway in New York City. As a result of this
enforcement action, one suspect was arrested and
6,300 counterfeit and piratical CD-Rs, 600
counterfeit music DVDs and 7,004 counterfeit
movie DVDs were seized.
February 15, 2006 - The New York Police
Department’s 28th Precinct, assisted by the
RIAA, executed a search warrant at a CD burner
lab and a distribution operation located on 7th
Avenue in New York City. As a result of these
enforcement actions, three suspects were
apprehended and seven towers containing 44
(52X) CD burners were seized. Also confiscated
during the search were 16,000 counterfeit
CD-Rs, 11,800 piratical CD-Rs, a printer, one
shrink wrap machine, one heat gun, two boxes of raw materials, inserts and one box of CD
Masters.
February 13, 2006 - RIAA investigators
assisted the New York Police Department's 13th
Precinct in the execution of a search warrant on
West 29th St in New York City. This action
resulted in the seizure of 12,200 counterfeit and
piratical CD-Rs and 4,000 counterfeit movie
DVDs.
February 9, 2006 - The United States
Probation and Parole Department, while
conducting a search on a supervised parolee,
observed an active burner lab resulting in the
arrest of one suspect and the seizure of 20 CD-R
burners, 307 counterfeit music DVDs, 54
counterfeit CD-Rs, 74 piratical CD-Rs, 304
counterfeit movie DVDs, one computer, one
printer and various raw material.
February 9, 2006 - The New York Police
Department's 13th Precinct executed a search
warrant on 5th Avenue in New York City that
resulted in the seizure of 7,938 counterfeit and
piratical CD-Rs and 5,450 counterfeit movie
DVDs.
February 8, 2006 - RIAA investigators
assisted the New York Police Department’s
Organized Crimes Investigations Division
execute a search warrant at 247 West 35th Street
in New York City. This action resulted in one
arrest and the seizure of 8,300 counterfeit and
piratical CD-Rs and 8,300 counterfeit movie
DVD-Rs.
January 26, 2006 - The New York City Police
Department Organized Crimes Investigations
Division Unit with the United States Secret
Service and assisted by the RIAA and MPAA,
executed four search warrants on Broadway in
New York City. As a result, three suspects were
arrested and the seizure of 23,000 counterfeit
CD-Rs and 32,000 counterfeit movie DVD-Rs.
January 18, 2006 - RIAA investigators
assisted the New York Police Department’s 79th
Precinct in executing a search warrant at a retail
record store on Fulton Street in Brooklyn. This
action resulted in the arrest of 3 subjects and the
seizure of 30,408 piratical and counterfeit
CD-Rs.
January 17, 2006 - RIAA investigators
assisted the New York Police Department’s 63rd
precinct with the execution of a search warrant
on Church Street in Brooklyn. This action
resulted in the arrest of two suspects and the
seizure of 4,734 piratical CD-Rs. It was later
discovered that one of the offenders admitted to
making the CD-Rs in the basement of his
apartment. After giving consent to search his
residence, 44 CD-R burners and other raw
materials were seized.
January 10, 2006 - RIAA investigators
assisted the New York Police Department's
Organized Crimes Investigations Division Unit in the execution of a search warrant on West
27th St in New York City. Seized were a total of
8,100 counterfeit / piratical CD-Rs and 4,300
counterfeit movie DVDs.
January 5, 2006 - The New York Police
Department’s 13th Precinct assisted by the
RIAA, executed a search warrant at a sandwich
shop in New York City. The enforcement
resulted in one arrest and the seizure of 13,000
counterfeit / pirated CD-Rs and 6,505 counterfeit
movie DVDs. An additional search on 8th
Avenue resulted in five additional arrests and the
seizure of 33,600 counterfeit CD-Rs and 19,104
counterfeit movie DVDs.
January 3, 2006 - RIAA investigators assisted
the New York Police Department's Organized
Crimes Investigations Division Unit in the
execution of a search warrant on Rosedale
Avenue in the Bronx. The enforcement resulted
in one arrest and the seizure of eight towers
containing 74 CD-R burners (52x), 3,400
counterfeit / piratical CD-Rs and 2,304
counterfeit movie DVDs. A separate search
warrant executed on West 36th Street in New
York City resulted in the seizure of 12,400
counterfeit and piratical CD-Rs and 12,960
counterfeit movie DVDs.
North Carolina
April 22, 2006 - The RIAA and NC Secretary
of State conducted a raid at a flea market located
on Rock Quarry Road in Raleigh. Six suspects
were arrested and charged, two voluntary
surrenders were issued and 3,242 CD-Rs were
seized.
April 19, 2006 - Agents with the North
Carolina Secretary of State's Office and RIAA
investigators entered a retail store located in
Sanford. Upon entering the business authorities
located hundreds of pirated recordings. Upon
further investigation into a back room, a burner
lab was discovered. Seized from the store were
33 CD-R burners, 9,640 piratical CDs, 5,400
jewel cases, and 357 CD Inserts. The owner will
be charged at a later date.
April 15, 2006 - RIAA investigators and the
Wilson Police Department conducted a raid at
Liberty Warehouse. Upon entering the market,
authorities seized 3,010 piratical CD-Rs and
arrested one vendor who had been the suspect in
two prior RIAA investigations. She had been
arrested three times in the past year, including
arrests in Virginia and North Carolina.
April 14, 2006 - RIAA investigators executed
a Voluntary Surrender Agreement in Lewiston-
Woodville and seized a total of 2,600 counterfeit
CD-Rs from a vendor located on Main Street.
March 18, 2006 - The Spartanburg
Sheriff's Office conducted a raid at the
Spartanburg Flea Market following RIAA
training two weeks earlier. This resulted in
the arrests of four individuals and the seizure
of 1,279 piratical CDs and CD-Rs.
March 17, 2006 -Following a call to the
RIAA by an informant, a raid was conducted
at a retail store on West Plaza Drive in
Mooresville. Upon receipt of the information
law enforcement officials executed a search
warrant at the location and seized a total of
1,435 counterfeit CD-Rs along with five CDR burners. No charges have been filed at this
time.
February 7, 2006 - The Burke County Sheriff's
Office received information regarding a possible
burner lab. Investigators obtained consent to
search the residence in question and confiscated
four CD-R burners, 12 piratical CD-Rs, 227
counterfeit movie DVDs as well as various
labels, blank media and other raw materials. The
occupants were charged with a combination of
charges including True Name and Address
violations, Counterfeit Trademark violations and
manufacturing illegal product. One of the
suspects was also charged with possessing a
firearm while being a convicted felon.
February 4, 2006 - The Gastonia Police
Department and Gaston County Police, acting
upon a tip provided by the RIAA, executed a
search warrant on a local business. Upon gaining
entry, authorities located 33 CD-R burners,
1,782 piratical CD-Rs and 602 counterfeit
DVDs. The owner has been arrested twice
previously for the illegal distribution of illegal
recordings within the past year and a half.
February 1, 2006 - The Greensboro Police
Department initiated a vehicle stop on I-40 and
uncovered a mobile burner operation while
conducting a search of the vehicle. Officers
seized 261 pirated CD-Rs, 949 counterfeit movie
DVDs and one CD-R Burner. The operator of
the vehicle admitted to making the unauthorized
recordings while in his vehicle.
January 10, 2006 - RIAA Investigators
assisted the NC Secretary of State's Office with a
raid on a variety store located in Winston-Salem.
A total of 2,009 counterfeit CD-Rs were seized
and no arrests were made due to the strong
possibility of the case going to federal law
enforcement. Immigration Customs Enforcement
is interested due to and estimated $300,000 in
counterfeit goods being seized from the location.
Ohio
On April 25, 2006, RIAA investigators and
Cincinnati Police located a retail store in
Cincinnati offering counterfeit CDs and DVDs
for sale. The owner was issued a warning.
Two days later, the investigator and the
Cincinnati Police returned to the store and
observed two individuals exiting the store with
duffel bag who returned immediately inside the
store after seeing the police. Law enforcement
officers witnessed the two individuals abandon
their duffel bags and attempt to exit through the
front door. The officers stopped the two suspects
and ordered them to open the abandoned duffel
bags and discovered counterfeit DVDs and
CDs. The store still contained the same CDs and
DVDs that were present on April 25th at the time
of the warning. Officers found one 9mm
handgun in the waistband of the owner and one
45 caliber pistol under the counter. The suspects
with the duffel bags were ordered to leave. In a
security search, officers entered a back room and
found a locked door. The room
was filled entirely with counterfeit CDs and
DVDs. Seized from the store were a total of
3,294 counterfeit CD-Rs, 2,563 piratical CD-Rs,
7,147 counterfeit movie DVDs, 7,200 blank
CD-Rs, 11,651 CD jewel cases and 3,948 blank
DVD cases.
April 5, 2006 - During a routine traffic stop,
Linndale Village Police observed a suspect in
possession of a small amount of counterfeit CDs.
The suspect told the police that he purchased the
CD-Rs at a retail store in Cleveland. Police
began an investigation on the store and found
that there were two locations, both in Cleveland.
Warrants were obtained for both locations and
police, assisted by RIAA investigators, seized a
total of 748 counterfeit/pirate CD-Rs from both
stores. In addition to the CD-Rs, at one location
a 9mm handgun (serial number removed) with
two magazines was seized and at the other
location a Ruger SP101 .357mag with five live
rounds of ammunition was seized. Three
individuals were arrested and charged with
felonies.
February 14, 2006 - RIAA and MPAA
investigators, along with the Warren Police Dept.
conducted a raid at the Warren Flea Market in
Ohio. Three vendors were arrested and 1,207
counterfeit CD-Rs and 1,489 counterfeit movie
DVD-Rs were seized. The owner and manager of
the flea market are scheduled for training by the
RIAA on how to identify counterfeit CDs and
DVDs.
Oklahoma
January 11, 2006 - While executing a narcotics
search warrant, Officers with the Oklahoma City
Police Department seized six CD-R burners, two
printers, one scanner and 850 piratical CD-Rs
from the residence of the defendant. The suspect
will be charged with violating Oklahoma's
Actual Name Statute and also for drug
possession.
Oregon
March 17, 2006 - Detectives from the
Gresham Police Department uncovered a
music and movie burner lab while executing
a narcotics search warrant inside a residence
in Gresham. Authorities arrested the suspect
and seized four CD-R burners, 3,500
counterfeit CD-Rs and 1,200 counterfeit
movie DVD-Rs.
Pennsylvania
April 2, 2006 - While investigating a homicide
at a Philadelphia retail store, Philadelphia police
observed counterfeit CDs and DVDs while
interviewing witnesses. The interviewing
Detective had been assigned to the 35th District
and was aware of the counterfeit music and
movie problem and proceeded to seize 118
counterfeit and piratical CD-Rs, seven
counterfeit music DVD-Rs and two counterfeit
movie DVD-Rs; the store owner was arrested
and charged. RIAA/MPAA investigators
reported to the station to sign complaints and
assume custody of the evidence.
March 7, 2006 – A retail store owner was
arrested by the Harrisburg Police Department
after giving police consent to search his
business for counterfeit CD-Rs and movie
DVD-Rs. Detectives of the Harrisburg Police
Department and MPAA investigators
searched the business and discovered 2,505
counterfeit movie DVD-Rs, 14 VHS tapes,
three DVD-Rs in a mailer and approximately
3, 224 counterfeit and piratical CD-Rs as
well as five CD/DVD-R burners. RIAA
investigators were informed of the raid and
responded to the station to sign complaints
and inventory the evidence.
March 3, 2006 - Pittsburgh FBI agents
executed a search warrant at a retail store on
Fifth Avenue Street following several month
of surveillance. The owner of the business
stated that he receives his merchandise from
New York City and it is shipped to him
through the Greyhound Bus Station. The
owner provided agents with a phone number
of the person he ordered the merchandise
from but refused to cooperate any further at
which point, he was taken into custody.
Agents will present the case to the U.S.
Attorney’s Office for an indictment.
Recovered from the store were 2,573
counterfeit and piratical CD-Rs, 5,000
counterfeit movie DVD-Rs and numerous
purses and watches valued at more than
$300,000. RIAA investigators responded to
the FBI office to help with inventory and
charges.
March 1, 2006 - Following a two-day trial
in Lebanon County Court in Pennsylvania, a
recidivist was sentenced to a minimum of
four months to two years in prison and
ordered to pay $23,217.35 in restitution to
the RIAA. During the defendant’s second
arrest for music piracy, Pennsylvania State
Troopers seized 1,533 counterfeit and
piratical CD-Rs from a vehicle driven by the
defendant.
February 26, 2006 - RIAA and MPAA
investigators assisted Chicago Police with the
execution of a search warrant at the home of a
manufacturer who is also a recidivist.
Investigators and police confiscated 1,479
counterfeit/pirate CD-Rs, 1,273 counterfeit
movie DVD-Rs, 23 CD-R burners, three boxes
of empty CD & DVD jewel cases and three
printer/scanners. A large quantity of Marijuana was also confiscated from the home. The suspect
was arrested and charged accordingly.
February 23, 2006 - Philadelphia police,
assisted by RIAA & MPAA investigators,
executed a search warrant on a distribution
location in Philadelphia. Seized were 4,302
counterfeit and piratical CD-Rs and 5,545
counterfeit movie DVD-Rs. The distributor was
arrested and charged accordingly. RIAA
investigators had been investigating this location
since December of 2005; surveillance and
evidence purchases had been made on several
occasions before police were notified.
January 31, 2006 - A Philadelphia man was
found guilty and sentenced to 23 months in
prison and ordered to pay $5,000 in restitution to
the RIAA. This conviction was the result of an
arrest made in October of 2004 after Philadelphia
police observed 289 counterfeit CD-Rs inside the
defendant’s vehicle.
January 27, 2006 - Following a six month
investigation by RIAA investigators,
Philadelphia Police (East Detective Division)
executed search warrants at two residences
believed to be manufacturing illegal music CDs
and movie DVDs. Confiscated from the two
residences were 468 counterfeit and piratical
CD-Rs, two counterfeit music DVD-Rs, and
1,371 counterfeit movie DVD-Rs as well as a
357 Caliber Colt Combat Cobra handgun and a
box of ammunition. The weapon was previously
reported as stolen in New Jersey and one
individual was arrested and charged.
January 10, 2006 - A seven time offender
known widely for the sale of counterfeit music
and movies pleaded guilty and was sentenced to
23 months in prison and one year reporting
probation. He was also ordered to pay $500 in
restitution based on an arrest made in September
of 2005 when Philadelphia police observed him
selling illegal CDs and DVDs. Confiscated at the
time of his arrest were 156 counterfeit CD-Rs
and 209 counterfeit movie DVD-Rs.
January 10, 2006 - A Philadelphia recidivist
was convicted and sentenced to 23 months jail
time and ordered to pay $500 in restitution to the
RIAA. The defendant has a history of several
arrests for the sale of counterfeit music and
movies. The latest arrest was during August of
2005 when Philadelphia police observed him
attempting to sell illegal CDs and DVDs on a
highway. Seized at the time of the arrest were
154 counterfeit CD-Rs, three counterfeit music
DVDs and 141 counterfeit DVD movies.
January 6, 2006 - RIAA investigators
conducted surveillance on Wayne and Chelton
Avenues, an area known for the sale of illegal
CDs and DVDs in Philadelphia. Investigators
observed two males selling illegal CDs and
DVDs and notified Philadelphia Police. The
police arrived on the scene and seized 854
counterfeit / pirate CD-Rs and 782 counterfeit
movie DVD-Rs. Both individuals were arrested
and charged accordingly.
Rhode Island
January 28, 2006 - The Rhode Island State
Police and the United States Department of
Homeland Security with assistance from MPAA
and RIAA investigators, executed four search
warrants and made a sweep of street vendors and
mobile distributors in the City of Providence.
This enforcement action resulted in the arrest of
six suspects and the seizure of 8,492 counterfeit
CD-Rs, 3,613 counterfeit movie DVD-Rs, one
CD-R burner and five vehicles used to transport
the illicit product.
South Carolina
April 28, 2006 - Immigration Customs and
enforcement agents with the North Charleston
office arrested one suspect after he was found to
be operating a CD burner lab. Subsequent to the
investigation, 2,300 counterfeit CD-Rs, 1,393
counterfeit movie DVD-Rs, three CD-R burners,
and hundreds of blank discs were seized. The
lead case agent was an attendee of an RIAA
Intellectual Property Theft course three days
prior to the seizure.
April 11, 2006 - RIAA investigators and the
Lee County Sheriff's Office conducted a raid at a
local retail store and discovered a manufacturing
operation consisting of five CD-R burners and
1,980 counterfeit CD-Rs, all of which were
seized.
March 2, 2006 - A search warrant was
executed at a retail store after information
was received during a recent South Carolina
flea market raid that led authorities to the
business. Items seized from the location
included 1,032 counterfeit CD-Rs. The
owner of the business was charged under
South Carolina State Statutes.
January 28, 2006 - RIAA investigators
assisted the Sumter Police Department with a
raid at a flea market. Seized during the raid were
1,014 counterfeit CD-Rs, 288 counterfeit movie
DVDs and the two vendors on the scene were
arrested and charged.
January 26, 2006 - Camden Police executed a
search warrant at a retail location that was under
investigation for distributing counterfeit goods.
Upon entering the business, law enforcement
located 739 counterfeit CD-Rs as well as
numerous counterfeit trademark violations. The
owner is currently under investigation in this
matter. The defendant in this matter was arrested
in July of 2002 after both of his retail locations
were raided and over 3,400 piratical CD-Rs and
7,952 counterfeit cassettes were seized. He pled
guilty in December of 2002 and was ordered to
pay $24,000 to the RIAA which was paid in full
in less than a month.
January 15, 2006 - York County Sheriff
Department conducted a raid at The Flea Market
at Pineville in Fort Mill and arrested three
suspects. Seized from the vendors were a total of
1,292 counterfeit CD-Rs.
Tennessee
April 28, 2006 - RIAA officials and the
Memphis Police Department executed a search
warrant on a suspected burner lab. Information
was developed after the suspect was the victim
of a Breaking & Entering dispute. Officer’s
clearing the residence for investigation purposes
located the lab. Upon leaving the scene a search
warrant was drafted and executed. Authorities
seized three CD-R burners, 1,694 piratical
CD-Rs, and 33 bootleg videos. The owner of the
residence was arrested and charged.
April 25, 2006 - RIAA investigators assisted
Memphis Police with an investigation into a
retail CD shop. Upon gaining information of a
possible burner lab, authorities sent undercover
officers inside the business to confirm their
suspicions. Upon gaining entry, officers located
11 CD-R burners and 3,416 piratical CD-Rs.
Both owners were arrested and charged with
criminal simulation.
April 25, 2006 - RIAA investigators traveled
to Charleston to examine suspected counterfeit
compact discs seized from two suspects on
February 8th 2006, during a traffic stop initiated
by members of the Tennessee Drug Taskforce.
The suspects stated that they were antique
dealers traveling to Houston, however, a consent
search of the vehicle revealed 154 suspected
counterfeit compact discs, $67,557 in cash and a
small quantity of cocaine. The offenders were
arrested on scene and transported to the 10th
Judicial District Drug Task Force HQ for further
processing. Both subjects were subsequently
charged with violations of the Tennessee True
Name & Address Statute.
Texas
April 20, 2006 - RIAA investigators, in
response to a member company complaint
initiated by the father of late recording artist
Selena, assisted Nacogdoches Police Department
with a search warrant at a retail CD store. The
location was previously issued a Cease & Desist
in August of 2003. Officers seized 966 high
quality pressed CDs, many of which contained
counterfeit Universal Music, video and
distribution security tags from the retail location.
This investigation is currently ongoing and
charges are pending against the two suspects.
April 14, 2006 - RIAA Investigators, in
response to a member company complaint (Disa
Records), assisted Houston Police Department
with the arrest of a street vendor. The vendor
was selling CD-R pirates from a backpack in an
apartment complex in close vicinity to a
legitimate record store. Houston Police seized
209 CD-R pirates from the vendor and charges
will be filed for violation of Texas' Actual name
and address statute.
March 29, 2006 - RIAA investigators
assisted the Longview Police Department
with a search warrant and seizure at a retail
food store located on North 4th Street.
Officers seized 1,589 piratical CD-Rs and
880 counterfeit movie DVDs. The owner of
the store was arrested and will be charged
with violating the Texas Actual Name and
Address Statute.
March 21, 2006 - RIAA investigators
assisted the Southlake Police Department
with plain view seizures at the Southlake
Flea Market located in the Dallas /
Fort Worth area. Southlake Police seized
2,482 piratical CD-Rs, 113 piratical movie
DVDs and arrested three vendors.
March 18, 2006 - RIAA investigators
assisted the Nacogdoches Police Department
with plain view seizures from a trade fair and
confiscated 2,500 counterfeit CD-Rs from a
vendor. The vendor was arrested and will be
charged with violating the Texas Actual Name and Address Statute.
February 4, 2006 - Voluntary surrenders were
conducted against street vendor located on
Columbia Avenue and Second Avenue in Dallas.
Surrendered by two vendors as a result were a
total of 2,466 piratical CD-Rs.
January 20, 2006 - Members of the Dallas Police
Department Central Deployment Unit arrested a
street vendor in Dallas and seized 812 piratical
CD-Rs.
January 14, 2006 - Acting on multiple
complaints from member companies, RIAA
investigators went to the 2900 block of
Lombardy Lane in Dallas to investigate street
vendors in the area of the El Paisano Taqueria
and the Taco Grande Taqueria. While at the
location, four individuals were found selling
piratical CD-Rs. The investigators contacted
patrol officers who arrived on the scene and
proceeded to arrest all of the suspects. In total,
3,945 piratical CD-Rs were seized.
Virginia
March 17, 2006 - Several members of the
Norfolk Police Department entered the Fair
Price Flea Market located on East Little
Creek Road. A package taken from FedEx by
the Norfolk Police Department Interdiction
team containing 8,500 counterfeit music
CD-Rs was seized and three suspects were
arrested.
Dominican Republic
March 24, 2006 - The RIAA in conjunction
with Adoprofono, seized three CD-R towers,
12 CD-R burners, one CPU with three towers
(39 CD-R burners total), 12,310 counterfeit
CD labels, one white Chevrolet Opel van and
one gun during a raid in Santo Domingo. An
individual at the site was arrested and
charged.