RIAA Anti-Piracy Seizure Information
U.S. Busts - October 2005
Idaho | Illinois | Kansas | Kentucky | Louisiana | Maryland
Massachusetts |Michigan | Missouri | Nevada | New Jersey | New Mexico
New York | North Carolina | Ohio | Oklahoma | Pennsylvania | Rhode Island
South Carolina | Tennessee |Texas |Virginia | Washington
Alabama
August 4, 2005 - The Jackson Police Department executed a search warrant at a retail store on College Avenue resulting in the seizure of 3,786 counterfeit CD-Rs and 1,264 counterfeit DVDs. No arrests were made.
August 2, 2005 - The Birmingham Police encountered a suspect selling illegal DVDs in a parking lot. After initiating contact, the suspect was arrested and 5,875 counterfeit DVDs, 24 music masters and 200 blank CDs were seized.
Arizona
September 1, 2005 - Two suspects were arresteed on felony charges by the Mesa Police Department, following a search warrant at a CD burner lab. Over 1,000 piratical CD-Rs and 25 counterfeit movie DVDs were seized as well as three CD-R burners, one computer, one printer and raw materials used for the manufacturing of illegal recordings.
August 20, 2005 - 327 piratical CD-Rs were seized by the Phoenix Police Department. The suspect present at the location was arrested and charged.
July 2005 - During the month of July, members of law enforcement in Mesa and Phoenix seized over 1,452 counterfeit and piratical CD-Rs and 228 counterfeit DVD movies from four suspects, who were arrested and charged for counterfeit trademark violations.
Arkansas
August 21, 2005 - RIAA investigators conducted a voluntary surrender at a Flea Market in White Hall and confiscated 187 piratical CD-Rs from one vendor.
August 19, 2005 - An alert patrol officer in Little Rock stopped a motorist engaged in suspicious behavior and subsequently recovered 13 piratical CD-Rs and 22 piratical DVDs. The suspect is a known distributor of pirated sound recordings and was originally detected by the RIAA in late 2003. This same suspect previously boasted to investigators that he was too smart to get caught and now faces felony charges in Pulaski County.
August 16, 2005 - Two defendants from Chicago and a third from Phoenix, Illinois, each pled guilty to one felony count of Arkansas' True Name and Address Statute in the 11th West Judicial District, Circuit Court in Pine Bluff. Each offender was sentenced to five years incarceration suspended, five years probation, fined $250 each and joint liability for $2,000 restitution to be paid at sentencing to the RIAA. In addition the court ordered the forfeiture of $423 seized at the time of arrest, including 17 CD-R Burners, 332 counterfeit CD-Rs and 3,500 counterfeit movie DVDs.
August 1, 2005 - During the week of July 25 through July 29, 2005, seventy eight police officers from the Pine Bluff Arkansas Police Department received inservice training on Sound Recording Anti-Piracy Awareness and Enforcement.
July 20, 2005 - A Little Rock defendant was sentenced to two years probation with the first six months to be served in home detention with electronic monitoring by the U. S. District Court in Little Rock. The sentence came as the result of an August 2004 arrest by the FBI. Seized from the offender's residence were 4,000 counterfeit and pirate CD-Rs and eight CD-R burners.
July 1, 2005 - Felony charges were filed against three suspects from Chicago who were arrested at the Pine Bluff Arkansas Flea Market in February of 2004 for manufacturing and selling pirated CDs. Recovered by the Pine Bluff Police Department were a total of 332 counterfeit CD-Rs, 200 blank CD-Rs, 3,500 counterfeit movie DVDs and 17 CD-R burners. All of the suspects are set for trial in mid-August.
California
September 2005 - During the month of September, law enforcement officials assisted by RIAA investigators, confiscated 99,639 counterfeit and piratical CDs and CD-Rs. The suggested retail value of these seizures would well exceed $1 million USD. Also seized were 18,392 counterfeit movie DVDs, 40 CD-R burners and various raw materials used in the production of the contraband. In total, 39 suspects were arrested and charged, with five defendants convicted and ordered to pay varying amounts in the form of fines and/or restitution. All of the defendants were incarcerated with the lowest sentence lasting 16 days to one offender receiving a full year behind bars.
August 28, 2005 - 4,828 piratical CDs and CD-Rs were seized by the Oceanside Police Department from eight vendors at the Oceanside Swap Meet. All of the suspects were arrested and charged.
August 11, 2004 - 1,202 piratical CD-Rs and 1,959 counterfeit movie DVDs were seized by the Los Angeles Police Department Vice Unit during a search warrant raid. Also seized were 30 CD-R Burners, three printers, computers, CD and DVD inserts and other raw materials. The suspect on hand was placed under felony arrest.
August 2005 - During the month of August, the RIAA trained 235 members of Law Enforcement on Anti-Piracy measures throughout the state of California. Trained at the various sessions were Police Officers from Santa Maria, Madera County, South San Francisco, Gardena, California Highway Patrol San Jose, State of California Association of Code Enforcement, Oceanside, the Vista Code Enforcement Unit, Escondido Code Enforcement Unit and Patrol, Fremont and Santa Clara County Training Officers Unit. Various law enforcement officials in the state of California also seized 9,989 counterfeit and piratical CD-Rs, 1,215 counterfeit movie DVDs and arrested 29 suspects. The following cases illustrate some of the activity that occurred during the month.
July 29, 2005 - A Santa Ana street vendor pled guilty to misdemeanor charges related to a seizure by the Santa Ana Police Department five days earlier. Seized from the suspect were a total of 175 counterfeit CD-Rs. He was sentenced to three years probation, $100 restitution to the RIAA ordered to serve seven days in the county jail.
July 2005 - Throughout the month of July, officers from the following police departments: Santa Maria, Riverside, Santa Ana, Los Angeles Police Department (Southwest Vice, Hollenbeck Vice, Mission Vice, Central Vice, Hollywood Vice Newton Vice) and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Century Station arrested 42 suspects, confiscated 6,248 counterfeit movie DVDs and seized an impressive 154,883 counterfeit and piratical CD-Rs in a variety of musical genres. Had the CD-Rs been accounted for at retail, the approximate amount would be worth over $2 million USD.
Florida
September 10, 2005 - RIAA investigators assisted members of the Tampa Police Department in the execution of three search warrants at the Magic Mall Flea Market in Tampa. This enforcement action resulted in the arrest of two suspects, a pending warrant for another individual and the seizure of 3,025 piratical CD-Rs, three CD-R burners, drugs and drug paraphernalia.
September 1, 2005 - A Jacksonville man plead guilty and was sentenced to five years probation with a special condition to serve two days in the Duval County Jail. The defendant was also ordered to pay court costs of $338 and restitution in the amount of $15,000. The defendant was arrested in July of 2005 at the Norwood Flea Market in Jacksonville. Seized from his possession at the time of his arrest were 5,125 counterfeit CD-Rs and $915 in cash.
August 25, 2005 - A vendor at the Pensacola Flea Market, was convicted and sentenced to 2 years probation, 120 hours of community service, ordered to pay $290 in courts costs, $50 in state fee and $250 in public defender costs.
July 7, 2005 - The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, with assistance from the RIAA, served a search warrant on several flea market vendors in Jacksonville. The operation resulted in the seizure of 32,000 pirate and counterfeit CD-Rs, five CD-R Burners, 10,000 counterfeit DVD movies, $2,000 in cash and the arrest of five suspects who were charged with violating Florida State Statutes.
July 1, 2005 - The Tampa Police Department, with assistance from the RIAA, conducted a sweep of the east side of Tampa, which resulted in the seizure of a total of 2,470 pirate and counterfeit CD-Rs, one vehicle and $300 in cash. Two suspects were arrested and charged with violating Florida State Statutes.
Georgia
September 1, 2005 - The Atlanta Police Department assisted by the RIAA, arrested three suspects and seized 8,450 counterfeit CD-Rs and 4,824 counterfeit DVDs from a retail store on Delowe Street.
August 23, 2005 - The Atlanta Police Department responded to an unnamed retail store located on Bankhead Highway. Officers seized 1,430 counterfeit CD-Rs and 384 counterfeit DVDs as evidence. An arrest warrant is out for the owner of store.
August 17, 2005 - The Atlanta Police Department conducted plain view seizures on Campbellton Road. A total of 19,033 counterfeit CD-Rs and 10,730 counterfeit movie DVDs were seized. The four suspects on the scene were arrested and charged with violation of the Georgia True Name and Address statute. Additionally, approximately fourteen others were charged with Disorderly Conduct for buying goods at the location.
August 13, 2005 - The Atlanta Police Department requested assistance from RIAA investigators to identify and box suspected counterfeit music at a Flea Market on Ralph Abernathy Road. Although the owners of the booths were not present, the APD were given the owner's names by the property manager. Seized were a total of 37,945 counterfeit CD-Rs and 12,151 counterfeit movie DVDs.
August 12, 2005 - An Atlanta man plead guilty to two misdemeanor counts and was sentenced to 11 months probation and restitution in the amount of $3,100. The defendant stated on record before a judge that he understands that the activity of selling counterfeit materials is unlawful and he will not participate in such conduct in the future. The offender was previously arrested in Atlanta January of 2005 with 12,865 counterfeit CD-Rs in his possession.
August 10, 2005 - The Atlanta Police Department requested assistance from the RIAA to identify and box CD-Rs on Martin Luther King Drive. Seized from the location were a total of 10,600 counterfeit CD-Rs and 4,535 counterfeit movie DVDs. One suspect was arrested and charged.
July 29, 2005 - Atlanta Police officers raided Metropolitan Avenue in Atlanta and arrested two people. After being notified the following day, an RIAA representative arrived on the scene to find that the evidence had not been collected or secured, and was in fact being looted at that time. The Atlanta Police Department was contacted immediately and the evidence was collected and inventoried. Seized from the location were 24,180 counterfeit CD-Rs and 1,921 counterfeit DVDs.
July 23, 2005 - RIAA representatives responded to a complaint that counterfeit goods were being sold at the annual Atlanta Music Festival. RIAA investigators observed approximately eight vendors engaged in the sale of counterfeit music and DVDs at which point, the Atlanta Police Department were notified. Due to manpower constraints, the RIAA were advised by the officers that they would not be able to arrest all of the vendors but the RIAA were able to assist with the arrest of two vendors as a result. Seized as a result of these actions were a total of 2,715 counterfeit CD-Rs and 1,050 counterfeit DVDs.
July 20, 2005 - Three search and seizure warrants were executed by the Atlanta Police Department at Bankhead Flea Market. A total of 13,330 counterfeit CD-Rs and 5,553 counterfeit DVDs were seized and two suspects were arrested.
July 14, 2005 - Atlanta police officers arrested one suspect and seized 9,614 counterfeit CD-Rs and 6,795 counterfeit DVDs from a retail store.
July 15, 2005 - The Atlanta Police Department responded to an armed robbery at the Discount Mall on Headland Road. Upon arrival, officers discovered that the victim was engaged in the sale of suspected counterfeit CD-Rs and DVDs. RIAA investigators were notified that one suspect was taken into custody and a total of 5,421 counterfeit CD-Rs and 840 counterfeit movie DVDs were seized.
July 6, 2005 - Atlanta police officers executed a criminal search warrant while in the search for narcotics and discovered a large scale manufacturing and distribution facility. Seized by the officers, with assistance from RIAA investigators, were 39,856 counterfeit CD-Rs, 18,545 counterfeit DVD-Rs movies, 196 CDR/ DVD-R burners and a cache of raw materials. This case is still under investigation.
July 2, 2005 - Agents from the DEA, while executing a criminal narcotics search warrant uncovered a large distribution location. RIAA investigators responded to assist agents in their recovery efforts of approximately 49,799 counterfeit and piratical CD-Rs, 23,455 counterfeit DVD-R movies, eight CD-R/DVD-R burners and 35,000 blank CD-Rs and jewel trays.
Idaho
July 2005 - During the month of July, Cease and Desist/ Voluntary Surrender actions taken at retail locations in Boise, Caldwell and Nampa resulted in the confiscation of 1,395 counterfeit and piratical CD-Rs. RIAA investigators responded to the locations as a result of numerous complaints received on the 1-800-Bad-Beat hotline.
Illinois
September 10, 2005 - Chicago police officers were summoned to Soldier Field for the Rolling Stones concert where security personnel discovered two individuals entering the stadium with bulges under their coats. The suspects were searched and officers observed a tape recorder and blank tapes. The suspects stated that they were going to tape the concert for their own listening pleasure, at which point they were taken into custody and charged accordingly. A Nagra IV-S analog recorder with two reels of audiotape and a white elastic back brace with two reels of audiotape were confiscated.
September 1, 2005 - After receiving information from an individual arrested with illegal CDs, Chicago police, assisted by RIAA investigators, executed a search warrant on a home of an alleged distributor. Once inside the home, officers and investigators observed numerous illegal CDs and DVDs in the kitchen and other rooms inside the home. Two suspects were arrested and charged. A final count of the evidence revealed 1,282 counterfeit and piratical CD-Rs and 726 counterfeit movie DVD-Rs.
August 2, 2005 - After Chicago police officers responded to a location on West Jackson having obtained information about illegal street sales of counterfeit CDs and DVDs. The officers set up surveillance and witnessed two males displaying CDs and DVDs to people walking by and directing potential customers to a basement apartment to make their purchases. After watching for a period of time, the officers approached both suspects who ran into the basement apartment. The officers followed them into the apartment and observed them unloading boxes of CDs and DVDs onto a table. Both suspects were taken into custody and the counterfeit CD-Rs and movie DVD-Rs were seized. Also seized from the apartment were 61 boxes of counterfeit Nike shoes and two notebooks containing the sales history of the CDs, DVDs, and shoes.
August 2005 - During the month of August, several search warrants and voluntary seizures were executed by officers from the Chicago and Calumet City Police Departments, FBI Agents and RIAA investigators. As a result of these enforcement actions, eleven suspects were arrested on misdemeanor / felony charges and 5,736 counterfeit and piratical CD-Rs with an additional 4,682 counterfeit movie DVDs were seized.
July 15, 2005 - An investigation into an underground mall located at Madison and Pulaski (Chicago), led by RIAA investigators resulted in the confiscation of 3,130 counterfeit and pirate CD-Rs, 2,870 counterfeit DVDs and five arrests. The Madison and Pulaski areas are a major distribution point for the Chicagoland area, Northern Illinois, and Southern Wisconsin.
July 14, 2005 - While on routine patrol, Chicago police officers conducted a traffic stop on a motorist for not wearing a seat belt. The suspect failed to produce a driver's license or proof of insurance at which point, he was taken into custody. A search of his vehicle was conducted and 600 counterfeit and pirate CD-Rs and 250 counterfeit DVD movies were recovered from the vehicle. The man was taken to the 6th District for processing and charged accordingly.
July 10, 2005 - RIAA investigators conducted several Voluntary Surrender Agreements at Montana Charlie's Flea Market in Bolingbrook. A total of 1,883 counterfeit and pirate CD-Rs were recovered from four different vendors.
July 9, 2005 - RIAA investigators initiated a Voluntary Surrender Agreement at the Swap O Rama Flea Market in Chicago. As a result, one vendor surrendered 808 counterfeit and pirate CD-Rs. The vendor was educated on music piracy and promised not to sell or buy illegal cds in the future.
Kansas
July 7, 2005 - The Wichita Kansas Police assisted by RIAA investigators, executed a search warrant at The Meal Ticket Underground Music in Wichita. Seized from this manufacturing location were 1,391 counterfeit CD-Rs, 150 counterfeit DVDs and 10 CD-R burners. The potential annual output from this facility was $5,358,306. Favorable news coverage appeared on the air in the Wichita market. Felony True Name and Address charges are expected in Sedgwick County against the store's owner.
Kentucky
September 27, 2005 - The Lexington Police Department executed a search warrant at a retail business and upon entering the officers seized 693 counterfeit CD-Rs and 684 counterfeit movie DVDs. The owner on the business was arrested and charged under Kentucky State Code.
July 30, 2005 - The RIAA assisted the Georgetown Police Department with an investigation into the Country Worldwide Flea Market. The investigation resulted in the seizure of 2,097 counterfeit CD-Rs and 463 counterfeit movie DVDs. Both of the vendors on the scene were arrested and charged with Unauthorized Transfer of Sound Recordings.
Louisiana
July 25, 2005 - A man pled guilty to one count of Conspiracy to Traffic in Unauthorized Sound Recordings of Live Musical Performances in U. S. District Court in Lafayette. Hubbell is the eighth defendant to be convicted in a series of investigations and prosecutions dating back to 2000, and coordinated by the Department of Homeland Security/Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the U. S. Attorney's Office. A sentencing date has not been set.
Maryland
September 23, 2005 - While working a traffic initiative in the 1700 block of North Bentalou Street, a Baltimore City police officer noticed a strong odor of Marijuana from the window of a vehicle. Upon further investigation, the driver of the vehicle stated that he had 'weed under the seat.' A search of the vehicle also revealed 511 counterfeit and piratical CD-Rs and 419 counterfeit movie DVDs. Both the driver and passenger were arrested and charged.
September 22, 2005 - RIAA investigators and members of the Baltimore City Police Western District Drug Unit executed a search and seizure warrant at a retail store located on Reisterstown Road, in reference to the sale and distribution of counterfeit CDs and DVDs. A total of 5,734 counterfeit CDs and 1,583 counterfeit movie DVDs were seized. The store owner and one employee were arrested and charged.
September 22, 2005 - RIAA investigators and members of the Baltimore City Police Organized Crime Division executed a search and seizure warrant at a clothing store located on North Eutaw Street, also in reference to the sale and distribution of counterfeit CDs. A total of 5,995 counterfeit CD-Rs and 1,740 counterfeit movie DVDs were seized from the second location and two suspects on the premises were arrested and charged accordingly.
August 2005 - During the month of August, officers from the City and County of Baltimore assisted by RIAA investigators seized a total of 1,836 counterfeit and piratical CD-Rs from street vendors operating in the area. An additional 727 counterfeit movie DVDs were also seized and six vendors were arrested and charged.
Massachusetts
August 24, 2005 - The Worcester Police Department, Motion Picture Association of America and RIAA executed a search warrant at a retail store on Franklin Street resulting in one arrest. Seized from the location were a total of 91 counterfeit CD-Rs, 881 piratical CD-Rs and 164 counterfeit movie DVD-Rs.
Michigan
September 2005 - During the month of September, the Detroit Police Department assisted by RIAA investigators, seized 719 counterfeit CD-Rs, 48 counterfeit movie DVDs and arrested five vendors following multiple enforcement actions throughout the city.
July 26, 2005 - A Detroit man was sentenced to 30 months probation and ordered to pay $1,500 in restitution to the RIAA and $1,500 in restitution to the MPAA. Detroit police arrested the man after they observed him selling illegal CDs and DVDs from the trunk of his vehicle. At the time of arrest, police seized 749 counterfeit and pirate CD-Rs and 188 counterfeit movie DVD-Rs.
July 13, 2005 - A Detroit man pled guilty to the sale of illegal CD-Rs and was sentenced to 2.5 days in jail (time served) and 24 months probation. The defendant was also ordered to pay $750 in restitution to the RIAA and $180 in restitution to the MPAA. This sentence follows a May 2005 arrest and seizure of 368 counterfeit CD-Rs and 19 DVD movies.
Missouri
August 18, 2005 - A St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department officer stopped a vehicle suspicion of distribution of drugs. After a brief surveillance and subsequent search of the vehicle, 633 counterfeit CD-Rs, 341 counterfeit movie DVDs, 54 counterfeit music DVDs and $175 in cash were seized as evidence. The driver of the vehicle was arrested and the car was impounded. Charges are pending in St. Louis Circuit Court.
July 1, 2005 - A St. Louis man pled guilty to a felony charge of violating Missouri's labeling laws. This case stems from his November 2004 arrest and the seizure of 1,384 pirate CD-Rs and 730 counterfeit DVDs in St. Louis.
Nevada
September 9, 2005 - The Las Vegas SWIFT Federal Task Force seized 2,935 piratical CDs via a search warrant from a distributor who was arrested and charged accordingly.
August 2005 - As a result of numerous enforcement actions taken during the month of August, 2,371 counterfeit and piratical CD-Rs and seven counterfeit movie DVDs were surrendered or seized from retail locations and swap meats by the North Las Vegas Police Department. A warrant is pending for the arrest of one suspect with another suspect taken into custody and charged accordingly.
New Jersey
September 29, 2005 - As part of a Bronx UC Operation, RIAA investigators assisted the Bergen County New Jerseys Prosecutors Office in the execution of a search warrant at a burner lab located on Green Valley Road in Paramus. Seized as a result were 35 CD-R burners, 3,425 counterfeit and piratical CD-Rs, 561 counterfeit movie DVDs, 100 counterfeit cassettes, 6,000 insert labels, two computers, one printer and various raw materials.
August 21, 2005 - The Plainfield Police Department conducted two search warrants at the Supremo Flea Market resulting in three arrests and the seizure of 2,352 counterfeit CD-Rs and 1,473 piratical CD-Rs.
New Mexico
August 13, 2005 - A voluntary surrender conducted with a vendor at Peddler's Pavilion Indoor Swap in Las Cruces. A total of 46 counterfeit CD-Rs were surrendered.
New York
September 30, 2005 - The New York Police Department Mid Town South Precinct, assisted by RIAA investigators, executed multiple search warrants on West 35th Street. Seized from the enforcement actions were 4,080 piratical CD-Rs, 16,886 counterfeit CD-Rs and 13,460 counterfeit movie DVDs.
September 28, 2005 - The 40th Precinct of the New York Police Department, in conjunction with the NYPD Civil Enforcement Unit, led multiple enforcement actions at distributor locations on Southern Boulevard in the Bronx. The enforcement actions did not lead to any arrest, however, 30,400 counterfeit / piratical CD-Rs and 13,700 counterfeit movie DVDs were seized.
September 28, 2005 - The Syracuse Police Department with assistance from RIAA investigators, executed a search warrant at a retail location on Salina Street in Syracuse resulting in the arrest of one suspect and the seizure of 18,918 piratical CD-Rs and 440 counterfeit movie DVDs.
September 27, 2005 - The 33rd Precinct of the NYPD, with the assistance of the RIAA executed a search warrant on West 175th Street in Upper Manhattan. Following the warrant on this manufacturing location, two suspects were arrested and 2,200 piratical and counterfeit CD-Rs, 650 counterfeit music DVDs, 250 counterfeit movie DVDs and three towers consisting of 22 CD-R burners were seized.
September 23, 2005 - The New York Police Department Asian Gang Squad, assisted by RIAA and MPAA investigators, executed a search warrant on 120 Street in College Point. A total of three suspects were arrested and 4,500 counterfeit CD-Rs, 7,000 counterfeit music DVDs, 11 towers consisting of 92 CD-R burners, 26,300 counterfeit movie DVDs and 9,600 pieces of various raw materials were confiscated.
September 15, 2005 - The Bronx Task Force along with RIAA investigators, executed a search warrant at a CD burner lab located in the Bronx. Following the warrant, two suspects were arrested and 200 counterfeit CD-Rs, 3,800 piratical CD-Rs, 80 CD-R burners, one printer, one computer and 676 counterfeit movie DVDs were seized.
September 15, 2005 - The 1st Precinct of the New York Police Department with the assistance of the RIAA, executed a search warrant at a distribution location on Church Street. Seized from this location were 1,800 counterfeit CD-Rs, 8,000 pirate CD-Rs, and 8,900 counterfeit movie DVDs.
September 9, 2005 - The 13th Precinct of the New York Police Department executed a search warrant in New York City resulting in the seizure of 27,600 counterfeit CD-Rs and 14,000 counterfeit movie DVDs . No arrests were made.
September 7, 2005 - The NYPD Midtown South Precinct, assisted by the RIAA raided a distributor located on Broadway and arrested one suspect. Seized from this location were a total of 6,200 piratical CD-Rs, 800 counterfeit CD-Rs and 6,462 counterfeit movie DVDs. September 6, 2005 - The New York Police Departments Midtown South Precinct, assisted by the RIAA, conducted enforcement action at a CD-R burner lab located on 6th Ave in New York City. Seized as a result was a tower containing 10 CD-R burners.
September 1, 2005 - The Organized Crimes Investigations Division of the New York Police Department executed a search warrant on West 31 Street in New York City. This investigation led to the arrest of one suspect and the seizure of 1,900 counterfeit CD-Rs, 4,000 piratical CD-Rs and 5,600 counterfeit movie DVDs. On this same date, the 5th Precinct of the New York Police Department executed a search warrant on Crosby Street resulting in the arrest of three individuals and the seizure of 1,200 piratical CD-Rs, 200 counterfeit CD-Rs, 200 counterfeit music DVDs and 8,600 counterfeit video DVDs.
August 17, 2005 - The Mid Town South Precinct of the New York Police Department conducted enforcement on Broadway in New York City resulting in the arrest of one suspect and the seizure 3,046 piratical CD-Rs and 150 counterfeit CD-Rs.
August 12, 2005 - The Manhattan North Narcotics Division of the New York Police executed a search warrant on East 125 Street in New York City. The enforcement resulted in the arrest of two individuals and the seizure of 1,200 counterfeit CD-Rs, 50 piratical CD-Rs and 18 counterfeit music DVDs.
August 11, 2005 - The New York Police Department's 1st Precinct in conjunction with the NYPD Legal Division, executed a search warrant on Canal Street in New York City. The efforts led to the arrest of two suspects and the seizure of 9,565 piratical CD-Rs, 200 counterfeit CD-Rs and 7,200 counterfeit movie DVDs.
August 9, 2005 - The New York Police Department's Midtown South Precinct conducted enforcement on West 36th Street in New York City. The enforcement resulted in the seizure of 18,465 counterfeit CD-Rs and 16,200 counterfeit movie DVDs. This case is still under investigation.
July 28, 2005 - The New York Police Department Midtown South Precinct conducted enforcement action on Broadway in New York City resulting in the arrest of two individuals, and the seizure of 8,500 counterfeit CD-Rs and 9,805 counterfeit movie DVDs.
July 20, 2005 - The New York Police Department's MTS Precinct in conjunction with the NYPD Legal Division Civil Enforcement Unit, executed two search warrants in New York City resulting in the seizure of 27,466 counterfeit CD-Rs, 16,700 counterfeit movie DVDs and the arrests of two suspects. Also on this date, RIAA investigators assisted members of the New York Police Department's 46th precinct in retail enforcement at Star Jewelry on East Fordham Road in the Bronx resulting in one arrest and the seizure of 1,032 piratical CD-Rs.
July 13, 2005 - Members of the New York Police Department Manhattan South Precinct executed a search warrant on West 30 Street in New York City resulting in the arrest of three individuals and the seizure of 7,800 counterfeit CD-Rs, 1,600 counterfeit music DVDs and 25,000 movie DVDs.
July 12, 2005 - The New York Police Department's 52nd Precinct, assisted by the RIAA, executed a search warrant at "El Mundo" located on West Fordham Road in the Bronx. This police action resulted in two arrests and the seizure of 1,929 counterfeit and piratical CD-Rs and 76 counterfeit movie DVDs.
North Carolina
September 22, 2005 - The Durham Police Department conducted a raid at a barbershop located on Fayetteville Street. The officers proceeded to seize nine CD/DVD-R burners, 1,032 piratical CD-Rs and 456 counterfeit movie DVDs. The owner of the barbershop was charged with several felony violations.
September 19, 2005 - RIAA investigators and the North Carolina Secretary of State's Office seized 12 CD-R burners from a manufacturing facility located in Lumberton. Other items seized include 3,000 counterfeit CD-Rs, 550 counterfeit movie DVDs and 1,100 jewel cases. No arrests were made.
September 5, 2005 - state agents with the North Carolina Secretary of State's Office arrested one suspect , who was found selling unauthorized sound recordings at the Annual North Carolina A&T vs. North Carolina Central University Football Game. Seized from his possession were 1,973 counterfeit CD-Rs and 368 counterfeit movie DVDs.
August 27, 2005 - RIAA investigators assisted the Orange County Sheriff's Office and State Agents in a raid conducted at the Buckhorne Flea Market in Mebane. A total of 1,000 counterfeit CD-Rs were seized from an abandoned table.
August 21, 2005 - RIAA investigators assisted by the Gaston County Police Department raided the Gastonia 321 Flea Market. The raid produced a seizure of 12,999 counterfeit CD-Rs. Charges are pending against eight vendors approached and confronted by police for selling illicit product.
July 22, 2005 - Agents with the North Carolina Secretary of State seized 874 counterfeit CD-Rs from two retail locations in Charlotte. No arrests have been made in connection with the seizures.
July 12, 2005 - Federal, state and local law enforcement agents, assisted by the RIAA, executed two search warrants at retail locations in Elizabeth City. Authorities seized 4,897 counterfeit CD-Rs, 1,693 counterfeit movie DVDs, four CD-R burners, various inserts and 300 jewel cases. The owner of the first establishment was charged with the illegal articles as well as Possession of a Firearm by Felon, Possession of Cocaine and Drug Paraphernalia. The second store owner will be charged at a future date.
Ohio
September 2005 - During the month of September, officers with the Cleveland Police Department conducted multiple enforcement actions against several street vendors and retail operations found to be engaged in the sale of counterfeit CD-Rs. As a result of these actions, five suspects were arrested and 1,407 counterfeit CD-Rs and 658 counterfeit movie DVDs were seized.
August 30, 2005 - The Lindale Village Police obtained information that a local retail store was selling illegal DVDs. The officers made an undercover purchase of a counterfeit DVD-R with a title that was still being shown at the movie theaters and contacted RIAA investigators as the store was also in possession of counterfeit CDs selling for $5.00 each. A search warrant was obtained for the store and 150 counterfeit CD-Rs and numerous DVD-Rs were confiscated. The store owner and an employee were arrested and charged accordingly.
July 15, 2005 - The Lindale Village Police Department received an anonymous tip that illegal CDs were being sold at a retail store in East Cleveland. Police made three undercover purchases at the location and requested that an RIAA investigator inspect the CD-Rs. An RIAA investigator confirmed the CDs were counterfeit and a search warrant was secured. At the time of the search warrant, CD-Rs were being manufactured in a back room with ink jet printers producing cover art work. Police confiscated 820 counterfeit and pirate CD-Rs, 20 CD/DVD burners, 640 blank CD-Rs, 300 jewel cases, three printers, three scanners, and $42,000 in cash. The store owner and another offender were arrested and charged with felonies.
Oklahoma
September 13, 2005 - The Oklahoma City Police Department executed a search warrant at a music retail store located on NW 23rd Street. Officers seized 163 blank CD-Rs, 75 piratical CD-Rs, 169 blank DVD-Rs, 76 counterfeit movie DVDs and 3 CD-R burners from the business. The two suspects on the premises were arrested and will be charged with violating the Oklahoma Actual Name Statute.
August 27, 2005 - RIAA Investigators assisted the Oklahoma City and Tulsa Police Departments with the arrest of several street vendors at the Admiral Flea Market, the Great American Flea Market. Tulsa Police arrested six vendors selling pirated sound recordings from four booths. A total of 5,763 counterfeit CD-Rs were seized. Charges are pending for violating Oklahoma statutes and local news channel KTUL, an ABC affiliate, provided media coverage.
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.
Pennsylvania
September 14, 2005 - following several days of surveillance, RIAA investigators informed the police of the possible illegal activity of a known Philadelphia manufacturer/distributor who is currently on probation for a previous conviction concerning music piracy. Officers from the Southwest Detective Division and East Detective Division obtained a search warrant and executed search warrants at a retail location and the suspects home. Confiscated from the residence were 6,000 counterfeit and piratical CD-Rs, 63 counterfeit music DVD-Rs, 56 CD-R burners and 12,000 counterfeit movie DVD-Rs. The offender was arrested and charged with felony violations.
September 9, 2005- After responding to a report that someone was selling illegal CDs/DVDs at a home on Midway Avenue, the Upper Darby Police Department observed a male in the rear of a residence in an open garage sorting a large number of DVDs in plain view. An MPAA representative was notified and confirmed that the DVDs were counterfeit, first run movies not available on DVD yet. A search warrant was obtained and executed at the home and RIAA investigators responded to the residence and observed illegal CDs throughout the home as well. A total of 737 counterfeit and piratical CD-Rs, 2,307 counterfeit movie DVD-Rs, 18 CD-R burners and approximately 7,000 paper inserts were confiscated from the home. The suspect was arrested and charged accordingly.
September 1, 2005 - while executing a search warrant at a retail store for narcotics, the Philadelphia Police Department Narcotic Strike Force discovered a large quantity of illegal CDs and DVDs in a rear storage room. In addition to narcotics, 2,571 counterfeit and piratical CD-Rs, 90 counterfeit music DVD-Rs and 3,956 counterfeit movie DVD-Rs were seized and two suspects were arrested and charged.
August 2005 - During the month of August, Police officers from Upper Darby, Tinicum Township, Philadelphia and the Southeastern PA Transportation Authority assisted by RIAA investigators, led several enforcement actions against retail stores, street vendors and mobile distributors found in possession of counterfeit product. Confiscated as a result of the various actions were a total of 1,260 counterfeit and piratical CD-Rs, 1,291 counterfeit movie DVDs, 86 counterfeit music DVDs and the arrests of 19 suspects. In one instance, Philadelphia police officers executed a traffic stop on a vehicle for not stickers. Further investigation revealed that the vehicle was stolen from an auto dealership. The driver was placed into custody and asked if he could call someone to pick up his clothes and illegal CDs and DVDs that were inside the vehicle. The suspect stated that selling counterfeit CDs and DVDs was his way of 'making a living'. At least (during his arrest) he was being honest.
Rhode Island
September 21, 2005 - The Rhode Island State Police executed a search warrant at a store that was a front for a CD burner lab located on Admiral Street in Providence. The resulting enforcement led to the arrest of one suspect and the seizure of five towers consisting of 37 CD-R burners, 3,200 counterfeit movie DVD-Rs, 2,800 blank DVD-Rs , 700 inserts, 3,500 plastic wraps and 18 spindles.
September 18, 2005 - The Rhode Island State Police assisted by RIAA and MPAA investigators, executed multiple search warrants at the Valley Street Flea Market located in Providence. As a result, two suspects were arrested and charged. A total of 4,385 piratical CD-Rs, 200 counterfeit CD-Rs, and 4,664 counterfeit movie DVDs were seized.
August 11, 2005 - As a result of search warrants and plain view seizures, the Providence Police Department assisted by the RIAA arrested two suspects and seized 1,471 piratical CD-Rs and 299 counterfeit movie DVD-Rs from a suspect using a rented U-Hall truck as a mobile distribution center.
South Carolina
September 6, 2005 - The York County Sheriff's Office seized 47 counterfeit CD-Rs at the Pineville Flea Market. Charges are pending against the vendor.
August 20, 2005 - RIAA investigators raided the White Horse Flea Market located in Greenville. The market had been the subject of numerous complaints. A total of seven vendors voluntarily surrendered 7,153 counterfeit and piratical CD-Rs.
Tennessee
August 6, 2005 - RIAA investigators assisted by the Nashville Metro Police Department, raided the Farmer's Market located in Downtown Nashville. The raid resulted in the arrest of four suspects and the seizure of 1,904 counterfeit CD-Rs.
Texas
September 29, 2005 - Members of the Dallas Police Department, assisted by the RIAA, executed a search warrant at a shop on Morrell Drive and arrested the owner for the manufacture of pirate CD-Rs and DVD-Rs. Officers seized 1,746 piratical CD-Rs, 390 DVD-R movies and two towers containing 10 CD-R burners.
September 28, 2005 - One suspect was arrested at Burd's Flea Market in Cleburne for selling pirated CD-Rs. A total of 1,160 piratical CD-Rs were seized and the offender was charged with violating the Texas' True Name Address Statute.
September 28, 2005 - ICE and the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office, assisted by RIAA and MPAA investigators, seized 6,200 piratical CD-Rs and 129 counterfeit music DVDs from three vendors at Valverde Flea Market in Donna. Additionally, 1,700 counterfeit movie DVDs were seized from four vendors at this market. Charges are currently pending against several of the suspects.
August 2005 - During the month of August, officers from Bexar County, Dallas, El Paso and Henderson conducted multiple enforcement actions against street vendors and Flea Markets in an effort to curb the flow of piracy. As a result of their efforts, 4,531 counterfeit and piratical CD-Rs and 358 counterfeit movie DVDs were seized. A total of five vendors were arrested and charged with violation of the Texas True Name and Address Statute.
July 28, 2005 - A Grand Prairie woman was convicted and ordered to pay $4,000 in restitution to the RIAA following an arrest in August 2004 at Traders Village Flea Market. Seized at the time of her arrest were 644 counterfeit sound recordings.
July 20, 2005 - A street vendor, arrested by Dallas police officers in February 2003 with 4,012 counterfeit CD-Rs, was sentenced to five years probation and ordered to pay $2,500 in restitution to the RIAA.
July 12, 2005 - Houston Police Department, assisted by RIAA Investigators, conducted a search warrant at UAR GLOBAL in Houston. The Houston police department seized 18,173 counterfeit CD-Rs, 2,207 counterfeit music DVDs, discmaker shrink wrap machine and two computers. Houston police arrested two defendants who will be charged with violating the Texas Actual Name and Address Statute.
July 9, 2005 - The El Paso Police responded to a call at Ascarate Flea Market in reference to several vendors selling pirated music. Upon arrival, a patrol officer found 1,016 piratical CD-Rs abandoned at a booth. The product was seized and checked into the property room.
July 2, 2005 - The Houston Police Department arrested and charged two street vendors and seized a total of 2,795 counterfeit CD-Rs and DVD. Also on this date, 14,000 piratical CD-Rs were recovered from two vendors at the Liquidation Warehouse in Houston. This case is still under investigation.
Virginia
September 2005 - During the month of September, officers with the Norfolk and Newport News Police Departments, arrested three offenders from retail locations and a festival for the sale of counterfeit CD-Rs. Seized from the suspects were a total of 1,424 counterfeit CD-Rs and 238 counterfeit movie DVDs. an individual for selling illegal CDs and DVDs at the Latino Festival. Police seized 835 counterfeit/pirate CD-Rs and 138 counterfeit movie DVD-Rs.
Washington
September 23, 2005 - 40 piratical CD-Rs and 228 counterfeit movie DVDs were seized by the King County Sheriff's Department from a retail store. Also confiscated were two CD-R burners and raw materials with one suspect taken into custody and charged.