Related Federal Cases
- Tax Fixer Gets 18 Months for $1.2M Fraud Scheme · Alaska
- SFO Screeners Accused of Meth Smuggling Bribery Scheme · California
- Lekhakul Brothers Busted in Thailand Gun Parts Scheme · Washington
- Brothers Nabbed in Thailand Gun Parts Scheme · Washington
- Cook Sentenced for Mortgage Fraud Scheme in Utah · Utah
Counterfeit Media Kingpin Brought to Justice
Oakland resident Emilio Perez-Solis, 39, has pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit criminal copyright infringement and traffic in counterfeit labels, documentation, and packaging, U.S. Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced.
Prosecutors claim Perez-Solis used a rural building in Fresno as a distribution point for his illicit operation, selling thousands of counterfeit CDs and DVDs, including movies still in theatrical release. The building was raided on February 21, 2014, and authorities seized approximately 70,000 counterfeit music CDs and movie DVDs.
According to court documents, Perez-Solis’s operation was a sophisticated one, using a rural building as a hub for his counterfeit media distribution. The building was a key part of his operation, allowing him to sell his counterfeit goods to unsuspecting customers.
The case is a result of an investigation by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with assistance from the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Henry Z. Carbajal III and Patrick R. Delahunty are prosecuting the case.
Perez-Solis is currently in custody, awaiting sentencing by Judge Lawrence J. O’Neill on April 20, 2015. He faces a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. 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 guilty plea marks a significant victory for law enforcement agencies in their efforts to combat counterfeit media. It highlights the importance of continued vigilance in the fight against intellectual property theft.
As the case moves forward, it is clear that Perez-Solis’s actions have had a significant impact on the community. The sale of counterfeit media can lead to financial losses for artists and creators, as well as undermine the integrity of the music and film industries.
RELATED: East Bay Aide Indicted in Child Pornography Case
RELATED: Marius Marian Guilty Of $500K EBT Fraud, Illegal Reentry
Key Facts
- State: California
- Category: Cybercrime|White Collar Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
