Fresno, California – In a shocking expose, two men have been caught red-handed for selling counterfeit DVDs and CDs in Fresno, California.
Jose Antonio Hernandez, 41, and Genaro Vela-Rodriguez, 28, both of Fresno, pleaded guilty to one count each of conspiracy to commit criminal copyright infringement and traffic in counterfeit labels and counterfeit documentation and packaging.
The crime, which took place from July to September 18, 2012, saw the two men involved in an extensive scheme to store and distribute thousands of counterfeit DVD movies and audio CDs.
The investigation, led by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), revealed that Hernandez and Vela-Rodriguez were selling counterfeit movie DVDs and CDs, including some movies that had not yet been commercially distributed. Hernandez even admitted to manufacturing counterfeit DVD movies.
Assistant United States Attorneys Henry Z. Carbajal III and Patrick R. Delahunty are prosecuting the case, which is set to conclude on August 11, 2014, at 10:00 a.m.
According to the maximum statutory penalty for conspiracy to commit criminal copyright infringement and traffic in counterfeit labels and counterfeit documentation and packaging, Hernandez and Vela-Rodriguez face up to five years in prison. However, the actual sentence will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The case highlights the prevalence of counterfeit goods in the market and the need for stricter regulations to prevent such crimes. As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen what other individuals or organizations may be involved in this extensive scheme.
Defendant: Jose Antonio Hernandez
Criminal Charges: Conspiracy to commit criminal copyright infringement and traffic in counterfeit labels and counterfeit documentation and packaging
City and State: Fresno, California
Crime Date: From July to September 18, 2012
Sentence: Up to five years in prison, to be determined at the discretion of the court
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Key Facts
- State: California
- Category: Cybercrime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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