U.S. Busts - September 2005

RIAA Anti-Piracy Seizure Information

Arizona

September 1, 2005 – Two suspects were arrested 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 suspect’s 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.