U.S. Department of Justice - CyberCrime.gov Archived

Copyright Cases - U.S. v. Villa (S.D. Fla.)


July 28, 2003


U.S. Department of Justice
United States Attorney
Southern District of Floridat
Marcos Daniel Jiménez
99 N.E. 4th Street
Miami, FL 33132
(305) 961-9001
For Information Contact Public Affairs
Matthew Dates
Special Counsel for Public Affairs
(305) 961-9285
Marjorie M. Selige
Publich Affairs Specialist
(305) 961-9048

 

Hialeah Man Arrested for Criminal Copyright Infringement Marcos Daniel Jiménez, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida; James K. Belz, Postal Inspector in Charge, Miami Division, United States Postal Inspection Service; and Hector M. Pesquera, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced today that a federal grand jury sitting in Miami, Florida, returned an indictment charging Armando Villa with one count of criminal copyright infringement. The indictment charges that Villa reproduced and distributed copyrighted computer software for purposes of commercial advantage and private financial gain. The total retail value of the computer programs distributed by Villa was approximately $1,000,000. Villa was released on a $75,000 signature bond after his arrest and initial appearance today. Villa was caught after a Postal Inspector, acting undercover, corresponded by e-mail with Villa in response to spam sent by Villa, as well as classified advertisements placed by Villa on the Internet. The investigation began when customers of Villa complained that the software they bought was not .New and in the Box. as advertised. The crime of criminal copyright infringement carries a maximum term of up to five years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000.

Mr. Jiménez commended the investigative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Postal Inspection Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hugo Black III.  


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