U.S. Busts – May 2005

RIAA Anti-Piracy Seizure Information

Arizona | Arkansas | California | Connecticut | Georgia | Illinois | Michigan | New York | Nevada | North Carolina | Oklahoma | Pennsylvania | South Carolina | Texas | Utah

Arizona

May 2005 – Enforcement actions were 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

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

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.

Connecticut

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

May 3, 2005 – The RIAA assisted the Atlanta Police Department (GA) in the execution of a search warrant at 1994 Perkenson Road. The location, a business called Dollar Power, was the subject of an investigation concerning the distribution of illegal CDs. Upon entering the facility an estimated 62,300 illegal counterfeit CDs were located and seized as evidence. In addition, an estimated 30,300 counterfeit DVDs were also seized by officers. Charges are pending on several suspects involved in the case.

Illinois

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.

Massachusetts

May 25, 2005 – The RIAA conducted a Voluntary Surrender at Newbury Comics, 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 Comics.

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-Rs. 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

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 York

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 seizures 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

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

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 DVDs. 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.

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.

Texas

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 of 1,614 piratical CD-Rs. One suspect was arrested as a result of these enforcement actions.

Illinois

May 2005 – A confidential source informed Chicago Police that drugs, guns, and a CD manufacturing operation was located at a northwest side residence. Chicago PD, with the assistance of RIAA investigators, executed a search warrant on the residence. Recovered from the search were 8 CD-R burners, several thousand burned CD-Rs, several hundred jewel cases & inserts, and spools of blank CD-Rs. (No guns or drugs were recovered.) All recovered CD-Rs were Latin genre. The arrested subject was previously deported as a convicted felon and is in this country illegally.

Michigan

May 2005 – A Detroit man was arrested and taken into custody after Detroit police observed him attempting to sell illegal CDs and DVDs. Police confiscated 295 CD-Rs from the vendor and 113 movie DVDs. An RIAA investigative consultant responded to the 10 th Precinct to interview suspect and sign complaints. An MPAA representative was also notified of the arrest and confiscation.

May 2005 – While initiating a routine traffic stop on a speeding vehicle, Detroit Police Officers observed numerous CDs and DVDs in the back seat while interviewing the suspect. The driver was asked to step out of the vehicle as officers observed no copyright labels on the CDs. The driver was arrested and taken into custody. An RIAA investigative consultant responded to the 5th Precinct and inventoried 722 counterfeit/pirated CD-Rs. MPAA was notified of the arrest and confiscation of 135 DVDs.

North Carolina

May 3, 2005 – The Pitt County Sheriff’s Office (NC) arrested two subjects on multiple drug charges including possession of Crack Cocaine, Marijuana and Heroin. Also found in the defendant’s possession were 23 counterfeit CDs, 67 counterfeit VHS movies and 23 counterfeit DVDs

Oklahoma

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 DVDs. 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

May 6, 2005 – An investigation by RIAA investigators resulted in the execution of a search warrant on Walnut Street in Philadelphia, PA. The Southwest Detectives of the Philadelphia Police Department arrested two individuals from the distribution location and seized 4,234 counterfeit CD-Rs and 210 music DVDs. MPAA was notified of the investigation prior to the search warrant.

Texas

May 1, 2005 – The Arlington ( Texas ) Police arrested a street vendor outside La Mexicana grocery store. 894 pirated CD-Rs were seized, all of which were Latin music. Felony charges will be placed against the vendor.

May 1, 2005 – Patrol officers with the Dallas Police Department arrested a street vendor at 3140 E. Ledbetter, Dallas, TX and seized 2086 pirate CD-Rs and 1 Optodisc CD-R tower containing 7-52X CD-R burners. Subj. was charged with violation of Texas’ TNA.

May 1, 2005 – The Arlington ( Texas ) Police arrested a street vendor outside La Mexicana grocery store. 894 pirated CD-Rs were seized, all of which were Latin music. Felony charges will be placed against the vendor.

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