Iowan First Convicted in Piracy Probe

[Blue Gardener]

Federal authorities say a University of Iowa student admitted Wednesday to distributing pirated software, games, movies and music online -- becoming the first person convicted as part of a worldwide crackdown on such crimes.

Jathan Desir, 26, faces a maximum 15 years in prison after waiving indictment and pleading guilty to three felony counts of copyright infringement and conspiracy to commit copyright infringement. He appeared Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Des Moines. Sentencing is set for March 18.

The multi-national effort that snagged the UI computer science major launched in April, touted as "the most far-reaching and aggressive enforcement action ever undertaken" against online piracy. "Operation Fastlink" targeted the underground community's hierarchy, conducting more than 120 searches within 24 hours in 27 states and 11 foreign countries. At the time, authorities identified nearly 100 people as leaders or high-ranking members of international piracy groups.


http://www.press-citizen.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20041223/NEWS01/412230325/1079

[htuttle]

1. Arrr! The Dread Pirate Desir has been caught!

What? Never heard of the Pirate Jathan Desir? Damn...err...Arrrr!

[phantomvotes]

2. THE REAL PIRATE Stole my VOTE and

Lives at 666 Pennsylvania ave.
DC Washington

DECLARING MY INDEPENDANCE from GEORGE666