Arizona
May 2005 - Enforcement actions taken by RIAA
Investigators and law enforcement officials in
Chandler, Mesa and Phoenix throughout the
month of May, resulted in the arrests of seven
suspects and the seizure of 4,040 counterfeit and
pirate CD-Rs and 199 counterfeit movie DVDs.
Arkansas
June 21, 2005 - A defendant of Little Rock
entered into a plea bargain agreement with the
United States Attorney's Office. Subsequently,
he appeared before the U. S. District Court in
Little Rock and plead guilty to criminal
copyright infringement and conspiracy. A
sentencing date has been set for September 15,
2005. As part of the plea bargain agreement, the
defendant has agreed to pay $26,469 in
restitution to the RIAA and is expected to be
sentenced to 10 to 16 months in federal prison.
June 7, 2005 - Information was received that a
Pine Bluff man plead guilty and was sentenced
to 120 hours of community service, a $1,000
fine, one year probation and $1,000 in restitution
to the RIAA. The defendant was arrested in
connection with a seizure at M&K Fashions in
September of 2003. Seized at the time of his
arrest were a total of 1,198 counterfeit CD-Rs.
May 22, 2005 - RIAA investigators, following up on a member company lead, executed a voluntary surrender on a vendor at the White Hall Flea Market in White Hall, Arkansas. The vendor, Ramon Loyola, surrendered 131 pirate, Latin CD-Rs, many containing as many as 245 songs in mp3 format.
California
June 29, 2005 - A Palmdale man was
convicted in Los Angeles County on felony
charges stemming from a March 2005 arrest
during a search warrant executed by the Los
Angeles Police Department. The raid resulted in
the seizure 14 CD-R Burners and 2,000
counterfeit CD-Rs. At the time of his arrest, the
defendant was on felony probation for a prior
music piracy conviction. The new conviction
resulted in a state prison sentence of four years.
June 27, 2005 - A Wilmington defendant was
sentenced to two years in state prison after
pleading guilty to felony charges in a Los
Angeles County courtroom. The offender was
arrested by Los Angeles Police Department
Harbor Station officers in May of 2005 and
prosecuted based on the seizure of 138
counterfeit CDs and 438 counterfeit movie
DVDs.
June 17, 2005 - Los Angeles County Sheriff's
Department Lennox station deputies seized 1,064
counterfeit CD-Rs from a mother and daughter
tandem engaged in illegal street vending. Both
were arrested and taken into custody on felony
charges.
June 14, 2005 - A woman was arrested on
felony charges during a search warrant executed
at Digital Color Copy in downtown Los Angeles.
Los Angeles Police Department officers seized
1,222 piratical CD inserts and 400 music DVD
inserts inside this location suspected of printing
counterfeit inserts for music pirates operating in
the city.
June 14, 2005 - The Los Angeles Police Department executed
search warrants at residential burner labs in Los
Angeles and arrested the primary suspects at
each location. Officers seized 60 CD-R burners,
three printers, 15,319 counterfeit movie DVDs
and 4,325 CD-Rs inside one residence, and
another 21 CD-R burners at the second
residence. In addition to pirated movies and
music, more than 33,000 pirate insert cards were
also seized. Both suspects were arrested on
felony charges.
June 13, 2005 - A Los Angeles defendant
plead guilty to misdemeanor charges following
his arrest by the Los Angeles Police Department
in November 2004, in connection with the
seizure of 677 CD-Rs. The defendant was
sentenced to serve nine days in county jail and
ordered to pay $6,770 in restitution to the RIAA.
June 12, 2005 - The RIAA assisted the
Riverside County Sheriff's Task Force in a
sweep of unlicensed fiesta flea markets operating
in rural areas of Riverside County. One
individual was arrested on felony charges
following the seizure of 1,434 CD-Rs and 364
movie DVDs.
June 10, 2005 - A Compton man was
convicted in Los Angeles County following his
arrest by Huntington Park Police and the seizure
of 328 counterfeit CD-Rs in May of 2005. The
defendant was placed on probation for three
years and ordered to serve 180 days in county
jail.
June 7, 2005 - The RIAA assisted the Los
Angeles County Sheriff's Department NORSAT
Unit in executing search warrants at Discoteca
Stereo Club in Compton and the business
owner's Long Beach residence. Deputies seized a
total of 25,016 pressed CDs from the Compton
store and Long Beach residence. The owner was
arrested on felony charges.
June 7, 2005 - A motorist stopped by California Highway Patrol
Officers in Fresno was arrested and taken into
custody on felony charges following the
discovery of 3,545 pirated CDs in his vehicle.
June 4, 2005 - Oakland Police seized 832
pirated CDs and 115 movie DVDs from a street
vendor who was arrested and pled guilty to
felony charges. The defendant was
sentenced to 180 days in county jail as a
condition of felony probation.
June 2, 2005 - The Montebello Police
Department Special Investigations Unit, assisted
by RIAA investigators, raided a residential
manufacturing operation and seized 17 CD-R
burners, three printers, 2,000 counterfeit movie
DVDs and 600 counterfeit CD-Rs in addition to
raw materials. One individual was arrested on
felony charges.
June 1, 2005 - The Los Angeles County
Sheriff's Department Criminal Investigations
Section seized 56 CD-R burners and two
commercial copiers during a search warrant
executed at a residential burner lab in Los
Angeles. An additional 1,593 movie DVD-Rs
and 156 CD-Rs and raw materials were also
seized. Following the seizure, one suspect was
arrested on felony charges. Later that same day,
the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department executed
another search warrant at a residential burner lab
in Baldwin Park, seizing 41 CD-R burners, four
commercial copiers, 1,756 movie DVDs and
4,540 CD-Rs. The primary suspect was arrested
at the location on felony charges.
June 1, 2005 - A Los Angeles man plead
guilty to music and movie piracy charges in Los
Angeles County and was sentenced to serve one
year in county jail and three years probation. The
defendant was in possession of 72 counterfeit
CD-Rs and 135 counterfeit movie DVDs when
he was arrested by the Los Angeles Police
Department Foothill Vice Officers in May 2005.
June 2005 - During the month of June, the Los Angeles
Police Department Vice Officers arrested 13
street vendors and seized 3,861 counterfeit
CDs / CD-Rs and 2,945 counterfeit movie
DVDs. These arrests occurred throughout the
city in areas patrolled by the Los Angeles Police
Department's Central Vice, Mission Vice,
Hollenbeck Vice and Foothill Vice. RIAA
investigators supplemented these enforcement
actions by conducting voluntary surrender
actions and removing an additional 4,458
counterfeit and pirate CDs / CD-Rs offered for
sale by street vendors in downtown L.A.May 14, 2005 - A total of 24,285 counterfeit
and piratical CD-Rs and 12,371 counterfeit
movie DVDs were seized by the Los Angeles
Police Department Foothill Vice Squad from a
single distributor who was placed under felony
arrest.
May 2005 - During the month of May, 581 members of
various law enforcement agencies received
training from the RIAA on Copyright
Infringement and Intellectual Property.
Agencies represented include personnel from the
FBI, IRS, San Bernadino County Sheriff's
Office, various bureaus of the Los Angeles
Police Department, San Diego Police
Department, Oakland Police Department, CA
Financial Crimes Investigator's Association (Bay
area), San Bernadino County Sheriff's
Department, Redwood City Police Department,
Santa Ana Police Department, Riverside County
Sheriff's Department Jurupa Station, Orange
County Training Manager's Association
(prosecutors/law enforcement) and the Culver
City Police Department.
Confiscated by various members of California
Law Enforcement and RIAA Investigators by
voluntary surrender, Cease and Desist and
seizure actions during this same period were
14,838 counterfeit and pirate CD-Rs and 4,110
counterfeit DVDs.
Colorado
June 30, 2005 - A Motion to Vacate
Restitution Order in a Colorado case was denied
by the state court. The defendant, a Commerce
City, CA woman was convicted in December of
2004 and sentenced to probation and ordered to
pay $28,000 in restitution to the RIAA.
Connecticut
June 2005 - During the month of June, RIAA investigators
assisted the New Haven Police Department in
enforcement actions at retail locations and a flea
market resulting in three arrests and the seizure
of 861 counterfeit and pirate CD-Rs, 492
counterfeit movie DVDs, one computer tower
with two CD-R Burners, one scanner and various
raw materials.
May 11, 2005 - The RIAA assisted the Bridgeport, Connecticut Police Department in an enforcement action at Rootsman Restaurant, located at 500 Park Avenue in Bridgeport. The action resulted in one arrest and the seizure of 134 counterfeit/pirate CD-Rs and 50 counterfeit movie DVDs.
Florida
May 14, 2005 - The Escambia County Sheriff's
Office and Escambia County State Attorney's
Office, with assistance from RIAA and MPAA
Investigators, seized a total of 4,062 pirate and
counterfeit CD-Rs, 6,522 counterfeit DVDs,
several CD-R burners, twelve vehicles and an
undisclosed amount of cash from thirteen
vendors at the Pensacola Flea Market. All of the
vendors were arrested and charged with violating
Florida State Statutes.
Georgia
June 23, 2005 - Officers from the East Point
Police Department, assisted by RIAA
investigators, executed criminal search warrants
at the T-Shirt Shop in East Point. Seized during
the search were 27,764 counterfeit CD-Rs. Two
people were arrested and charged with violation
of the GA True Name and Address Statute. This
warrant was part of an ongoing joint effort by
law enforcement and RIAA investigators to
identify the source of manufacture and
distribution in the greater Atlanta area.
June 20, 2005 - The Atlanta Police
Department, while responding to a burglary call,
discovered a distribution location in the
downtown area of Atlanta. Once the scene was
secured, RIAA investigators assisting entered the
premises and identified 8,736 counterfeit and
piratical CD-Rs and 2,864 unauthorized DVD-R
movies. The product was taken to the Atlanta
Police Department Property Section. No suspects
were present upon the arrival of officers at the
scene. This location is still under investigation.
June 18, 2005 - While conducting a vehicle
search following a traffic stop, officers from the
Athens Police Department discovered 3,286
counterfeit CD-Rs in the trunk of the vehicle.
Based upon training supplied by RIAA
investigators, the officers took the suspect into
custody for violation of the GA State True Name
and Address sections of the penal code.
June 17, 2005 - Officers from the College Park
Police Department, assisted by RIAA
investigators, conducted a sweep of the 285 Flea
Market as part of an ongoing joint effort to
identify the source of manufacture and
distribution in the greater Atlanta area. Seized
during the criminal actions were 43,307
counterfeit and piratical CD-Rs, 10,085
counterfeit DVD-R movies, and approximately
$250,000 in counterfeit apparel. A total of eight
people were taken into custody on various state
violations.
June 17, 2005 - RIAA investigators located an individual selling
unauthorized CD-Rs during the Atlanta Midtown
Music Festival. Atlanta Police Department
officers were contacted and responded to the
scene. As the officers approached, the vendor
fled the scene, leaving behind 1,783 counterfeit
and piratical CD-Rs. The product was taken into
custody by the Officers while efforts are being
made to locate the vendor.
June 12, 2005 - While responding to a silent
alarm call, Atlanta police officers, arrived at a
business location in the downtown area. Upon
their arrival, two suspects fled the scene who
were later taken into custody following a pursuit.
Once inside, Officers confiscated 33,569
counterfeit and piratical CD-Rs and 11,594
counterfeit movie DVD-Rs. A third suspect on
the premises was also taken into custody. RIAA
investigators were contacted and responded to
assist and attribute the seizure action to the direct
results of ongoing training efforts with the
uniform divisions of the Atlanta Police
Department.
Illinois
June 12, 2005 - RIAA investigators conducted
several voluntary surrenders at Montana
Charlie’s Flea Market in Bollingbrook. A total of
2,786 counterfeit and piratical CD-Rs were
surrendered from five vendors.
June 11, 2005 - RIAA Investigators conducted
two voluntary surrender agreements at the Swap
O Rama Flea Market in Chicago. A total of
4,510 counterfeit and piratical CD-Rs were
surrendered from the vendors. One vendor also
surrendered 569 counterfeit movie DVDs.
June 2, 2005 - RIAA investigators conducted
a voluntary surrender at the Swap O Rama Flea
Market and recovered 1,525 counterfeit CD-Rs.
The vendor was educated on music piracy and
stated he would not buy or sell counterfeit or
piratical CD-Rs in the future.
June 2, 2005 - Following a two-month
investigation by the RIAA that included
surveillance and undercover buys, Chicago
Police obtained a search warrant for a retail store
on Chicago’s Southside. Approximately 5,271
counterfeit and piratical CD-Rs along with 3,344
counterfeit movie DVDs were recovered and two
suspects were arrested and charged with felonies.
The storefront acted as a distribution point for
numerous street vendors targeting mass transit
trains, bus terminals and commuter stations.
May 9, 2005 - A Chicago store owner was
convicted and ordered to pay $3,500 restitution
to the RIAA. The defendant was arrested in
August of 2004 after Chicago Police conducted a
plain view seizure at his business and confiscated
1,530 counterfeit and pirate CD-Rs.
Kentucky
June 18, 2005 - The Georgetown Police
Department seized 1,168 counterfeit CD-Rs from
a vendor at a local flea market. Officers
responded after receiving information from an
RIAA investigative consultant that the illegal
distribution of sound recordings was taking place
at the venue. The defendant was charged with
one felony count of Unauthorized Reproduction
and Distribution of a Recorded Article.
Maryland
June 2005 - During the month of June, RIAA Investigators
assisted Officers with the Prince George’s and
Baltimore City Police Department’s in
enforcement actions that yielded six arrests with
an additional four suspects who shall be
summoned at a later date. A total of 2,947
counterfeit and pirate CD-Rs and 3,381
counterfeit movie DVDs were seized.
Massachusetts
June 8, 2005 - Officers with the Fitchburg
Police Department and RIAA investigators
conducted a plain view seizure at a retail store on
John Fitch Highway resulting in one arrest, the
seizure of 101 counterfeit CD-Rs, 2,403 piratical
CD-Rs, and 63 counterfeit music DVD-Rs.
May 25, 2005 - The RIAA conducted a
Voluntary Surrender at Newbury Comic, Inc. in
Brighton. They turned over 2,214 pirated CD-Rs,
all of which were DJ Mixes. The evidence seized
at this location is from all 25 different locations
named Newbury Comic.
May 10, 2005 - The Boston Police Department executed a search warrant at a retail store Hip Zepi, located at 1630 Blue Hill Avenue in Mattapan, Massachusetts. This police action resulted in one person who will be summoned to court at a later date, and the seizure of 235 pirated CD-R's . The same day, a search warrant executed at another Hip Zepi store located at 614 Blue Hill Avenue in Dorchester, Massachusetts resulted in the seizure of 643 pirated CD-Rs. All of the music seized was 100% urban.
Michigan
June 21, 2005 - One suspect was arrested and
his product seized following a traffic stop by the
Michigan State Police after they noticed CDs in
the back seat of his vehicle. RIAA investigators
responded to a request to verify the product was
illegal and confirmed that all 1,049 CD-Rs were
counterfeit or piratical. Also seized from the
defendant were 630 counterfeit movie DVDs.
June 9, 2005 - A Michigan man was convicted
and sentenced to 18 months probation and
ordered to pay $1,800 restitution to the RIAA.
Detroit police officers arrested the defendant in
April of 2005 after they observed him selling
illegal CDs and DVDs. A total of 295
counterfeit and pirate CD-Rs and 113 counterfeit
movie DVDs were seized at the time of his
arrest.
May 20, 2005 - Detroit Police, assisted by
RIAA investigators conducted a plain view
seizure on a local retail store. The raid followed
a months long investigation by RIAA
investigators. RIAA investigators made several
undercover buys at the location and informed
police of the illegal activity. One individual was
arrested and charged. Police confiscated 500 counterfeit and pirate CD-Rs, two CD-R burners
and 100 counterfeit movie DVDs.
May 23, 2005 - A U.S. Customs and
Immigration Enforcement agent informed RIAA
Investigators that three individuals were arrested
at a retail store in Grand Rapids. The retail store
was part of a 13-month federal investigation
centered on gun and drug trafficking. Seized
from the store were a total of 4,772 counterfeit
and pirate CD-Rs and 4, 899 counterfeit DVD
movies.
New Mexico
June 18, 2005 - Voluntary Surrender
Agreements were conducted at the New Mexico
State Fair Flea Market in Albuquerque. The four
vendors selling the contraband surrendered a
total of 1,988 counterfeit discs to RIAA
investigators.
New York
June 30, 2005 - The New York Police
Department’s 40th Precinct conducted
enforcement actions at a truck stop in the Bronx
resulting in the arrest of three distributors and
2,555 counterfeit CD-Rs, 9,500 movie DVD-Rs
and various pocket books and hats.
June 29, 2005 - The New York Police
Department’s 6th precinct conducted
enforcement actions at a retailer on West 14th
Street resulting in two arrests and the seizure of
2,386 piratical CD-Rs.
June 29, 2005 - The New York Police
Department’s 6th precinct conducted
enforcement actions at a retailer on West 14th
Street resulting in two arrests and the seizure of
2,386 piratical CD-Rs.
June 24, 2005 - The Suffolk County Police
Department’s 3rd Precinct Crime Section,
assisted by the RIAA, conducted enforcement
action on Pine Air Drive in Bay Shore. As a
result one suspect was arrested and 227 piratical
CD-Rs and 689 counterfeit movie DVDs were
seized. After questioning, it was determined that
the defendant was manufacturing at his residence
where a consent search revealed eight CD-R
burners that were also seized.
June 21, 2005 - The New York Police
Department's 48th Precinct , assisted by the
RIAA, executed a search warrant at a retailer
located in the Bronx. This police action resulted
in the arrest of one suspect who was charged
with felony trademark offenses, the seizure of
925 pirated and counterfeit CD-Rs, and 1,278
counterfeit movie DVDs. A total of nine CDs
burners and nine DVD burners were also seized.
June 11, 2005 - Members of the NYPD’s MTS
Precinct were conducting peddler enforcement in
the vicinity of 29 St & Broadway in New York
City. While at the location, officers proceeded to
arrest two individuals involved in a robbery at a
location operating as an unauthorized point of
distribution. Seized at the location were 9,600
counterfeit CD-Rs.
June 8, 2005 - The 9th Precinct of the New
York Police Department, assisted by the RIAA
executed a Search Warrant at "Kim's Video
Store" in New York City. This police action
resulted in the arrests of six individuals, the
seizure of 500 piratical CD-Rs and 27 counterfeit
music DVDs. Also seized were nine DVDs
burners and one scanner.
June 2, 2005 - As part of an ongoing
undercover operation with the New York Police
Department involving manufacturing locations,
RIAA investigators assisted the Bronx District
Attorneys Squad in the execution of a search
warrant on Andrews Avenue in the Bronx. This
warrant resulted in the arrest of two individuals,
the seizure of 30 (16X) CD-R Burners, 3,600
counterfeit and pirate CD-Rs, 4,600 counterfeit
movie DVDs, boxes of various raw materials and
two mini vans used to transport the contraband.
May 26, 2005 - The New York Police
Department’s Organized Crimes Investigations
Division executed a search warrant in New York
City resulting in the arrest of two individuals and
the seizure of 10,500 counterfeit CD-Rs and
4,854 counterfeit DVDs.
May 20, 2005 - The 40th Precinct of the New York Police Department executed three search warrants at Storage USA in New York City resulting in the arrest of nine suspects and the seizure of 25,237 counterfeit CD-Rs. On May 24, 2005, the New York Police Department’s 6th Precinct conducted a plain view seizure at a retailer on East 14th Street. This Police action resulted in the arrest of one suspect who was charged with trademark offenses. Seized from the suspect were a total of 4,730 pirated CD-Rs.
May 12, 2005 - The New York Police
Department’s 7th Precinct conducted a search
warrant on Ludlow Street (NYC) resulting in the
seizure of 7,400 piratical CD-Rs, 900 piratical
music DVD-Rs and 12,750 counterfeit movie
DVD-Rs.
May 11, 2005 - The NYPD's 28th Precinct, assisted by the RIAA, executed a search warrant at a distributor location, 1992 Madison Ave., in Manhattan. This police action resulted in four individuals arrested and charged with felony trademark offenses. As a result, the police seized 4900 Counterfeit/Pirate CD-Rs. The music seized was 20% Latin and 80% Urban.
May 11, 2005 - The NYPD 1 Precinct, assisted by the RIAA, executed a Search Warrant at a Distributor location, 68 White St., Manhattan. This police action resulted in three individuals arrested and charged with felony trademark offenses. As a result, the police seized 37830 Counterfeit/Pirate CD-Rs. The music seized was 10% Latin and 90% Urban.
May 11, 2005 - The NYPD 7th Precinct conducted a search warrant at 22 Ludlow St., New York, NY resulting in the seizure of 7,400 Pirated CD-Rs , 900 Music DVD-Rs and 12,750 movie DVD-Rs seized.
Nevada
May 2005 - During the month of May, multiple seizure and
voluntary surrender actions conducted by RIAA
Investigators with the Secret Service Task Force
and the Las Vegas Metro Police Department,
resulted in the seizure of 5,496 counterfeit CD-Rs
and 44 counterfeit DVDs and the arrest of one
suspect.
North Carolina
June 13, 2005 - The North Charleston Police
Department arrested a street vendor in
connection with peddling unauthorized
recordings. Officers charged the suspect with the
distribution of counterfeit CD-Rs and illegal
DVDs. An estimated 2,000 counterfeit CD-Rs
along with 243 counterfeit DVDs were seized
and stored as evidence in the case.
May 24, 2005 - investigators with the
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and
US Immigration and Customs Service, raided
Dollar Land located in Charlotte. Upon entering
the business, a total of 1,269 counterfeit CD-Rs
were seized. Other confiscated items included
111 counterfeit DVDs as well as various clothing
displaying counterfeit trademarks. An employee
of the business was taken into custody by ICE
for violating immigration laws. The owner is
currently under investigation due to the product
seized.
May 24, 2005 - Investigators with the NC
Secretary of State's Office and US Immigration
and Customs Service raided M-Fashions in
Charlotte. A total of 1,395 counterfeit CD-Rs
and 222 counterfeit DVDs were seized. Other
items seized included various clothing displaying
counterfeit trademarks. An employee was taken
into custody by ICE due to immigration
violations. The owner of the business is under
investigation due to the seizure and charges are
pending.
May 7, 2005 - The Spartanburg, North Carolina County Sheriff's Office seized thousands of dollars worth of counterfeit CDs and DVDs and arrested one man. Deputies were called to Tab's Flea Market after getting a call about fake CDs being sold. When they arrived, they found Billy Ray Hamby, 33, of Greer, North Carolina at a booth with counterfeit movies and albums recorded on generic CDs and DVDs. Investigators said Hamby admitted the discs belonged to him. Deputies also found a CD/DVD copying machine in a sport utility vehicle owned by Hamby. Hamby was charged with selling bootleg and counterfeit items. Deputies estimated that more than $1,000 worth of CDs and DVDs were seized from the flea market booth.
Oklahoma
June 25, 2005 - The RIAA conducted sweeps
of street vendors in Oklahoma City. A total of
five Voluntary Surrender Agreements were
conducted resulting in the confiscation of 2,290
counterfeit discs.
May 25, 2005 - The Oklahoma City Police
Department executed a search warrant in
Oklahoma City. Officers seized 1,406 piratical
CD-Rs, six CD-R burners, three computers and
88 counterfeit movie DVD. The defendant was
arrested on drug charges and will also be charged
with violating the Oklahoma True Name and
Address Statute.
May 14, 2005 - RIAA Investigators conducted a voluntary surrender on a street vendor set up in front of La Michocana 1125 SW 29th St. in Oklahoma City. All of the 276 pirated CDs seized were of the Latin genre.
May 14, 2005 - RIAA Investigators conducted a voluntary surrender on a street vendor set up in front of Tacos San Pedro 2301 SW 44th St. in Oklahoma City. All of the 364 pirated CDs seized were of the Latin genre.
May 14, 2005 - RIAA Investigators conducted a voluntary surrender on a street vendor set up in front of Griders Cost Less 2701 SW 29th St. in Oklahoma City. All of the 132 pirated CDs seized were of the Latin genre.
May 14, 2005 - RIAA Investigators conducted a voluntary surrender on a street vendor set up in front of Tortilleria Y Rosticeria Islas 2400 SW 29th St. in Oklahoma City. All of the 132 pirated CDs seized were of the Latin genre.
Oregon
June 25, 2005 - RIAA investigators assisted
the Gresham Police Department in enforcement
actions against four vendors at the Fantastic
Indoor Swap Meet in Gresham. Police officers
seized 11,653 CD-Rs and arrested all 4 vendors
on felony charges.
June 24, 2005 - RIAA investigators assisted
the Woodburn Police in enforcement actions at
the Woodburn Community Flea Market. Police
officers arrested and charged two suspects with
felony offenses and seized 12,025 counterfeit
CD-Rs, one CD-R burner and 881 counterfeit
music cassettes.
June 22, 2005 - RIAA investigators assisted
the Woodburn Police Department in an
enforcement action at a retail store resulting in
the seizure of 81 counterfeit CD-Rs and
manufacturing equipment. A follow up search at
a residence uncovered an additional 898
counterfeit CD-Rs. One suspect was arrested on
felony charges.
Pennsylvania
June 2005 - During the month of June, officers with the
Philadelphia Police Department assisted by
RIAA investigators, seized 964 counterfeit and
pirate CD-Rs and 1,064 counterfeit movie DVDs
from two vendors and three distributors who
were arrested and charged accordingly.
Rhode Island
June 17, 2005 - The Cranston Rhode Island
Police Department, assisted by the RIAA
executed two search warrants at retail locations
on Park Avenue and Oaklawn Avenue resulting
in two arrests and the seizure of 3,390 piratical
CD-Rs and 19 counterfeit music DVDs.
South Carolina
May 18, 2005 - The Beaufort Police
Department seized 922 counterfeit CD-Rs
subsequent to an investigation into IMS Music.
Charges are currently pending against the owner
of the retail facility.
Tennessee
June 22, 2005 - Notice was received that a
Memphis man was sentenced to 13 months in
federal prison and upon release from
confinement will be placed on supervised release
for two years. The defendant was convicted by a
jury in the Western District of Memphis in
November of 2004 for Aiding and Abetting,
Criminal Copyright Infringement, and
Trafficking in Counterfeit Goods and Services.
June 21, 2005 - RIAA investigators assisted
the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office and the
FBI in the execution of a search warrant. The
subject of the investigation, Socks & Novelties,
located in Chattanooga was under investigation
concerning the manufacturing and distribution of
unauthorized sound recordings. Upon entering
the business, 23 CD-R Burners were located
along with 8,775 counterfeit and piratical
CD-Rs. Also seized by authorities were 1,174
counterfeit DVDs, approximately $3,000 in cash
and computer equipment on the scene.
Texas
June 4, 2005 - The Bexar County Sheriff's
Office, assisted by RIAA Investigators, seized
1,512 piratical CDs & CD-Rs from three
vendors. Felony charges will be filed against two
of the vendors. On this same day, the Bexar
County Sheriff’s Office also assisted by the
RIAA seized 1,430 piratical sound recordings
from a vendor at the Mission Open Air Flea
Market in San Antonio. One suspect will be
charged with a felony violation of Texas'
Labeling statute.
May 13, 2005 - members of the Gulfport
Police Department seized 3,422 piratical CD-Rs
from a vendor selling from his vehicle. Two
suspects were arrested and charged.
Utah
May 2005 - During the month of May, voluntary cease &
desist and seizure actions conducted by Police
Departments of Ogden and Salt Lake City,
resulted in the seizure of a total 1,614 piratical
CD-Rs. One suspect was arrested as a result of
these enforcement actions.
Dominican Republic
June 10, 2005 - Adoprofono, with
assistance from the RIAA, seized a total of
18,871 counterfeit and piratical CD-Rs, 675
DVDs, 400 blank CD-Rs, 44 CD-R burners, 12
towers, 16 CPUs, 29 computer cables, 10
monitors, 10 keyboards, two adapters, five
printers, one voltage regulator, one hard drive,
two scanners, five electrical extensions, four
computers, four speaker sets, one VHS player,
25,000 pirate and counterfeit insert cards
representing various artists, and 20,000
photographs with artwork for various music
artists from manufacturers and distributors in
Santo Domingo. Four suspects were arrested in
connection with the seizure.
June 4, 2005 - Adoprofono, with assistance
from RIAA investigators, seized 4,138 piratical
and counterfeit CD-Rs in Santo Domingo.