News and Press Releases

United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner
Eastern District of California

Modesto Man Sentenced to Prison for Counterfeit Media Conspiracy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, October 15, 2012

 

Docket #: 11-cr-00299 AWI

 

 

FRESNO, Calif. — Mariano Vega Hernandez, 25, of Modesto, was sentenced on Monday by Chief United States District Judge Anthony W. Ishii to three years and 10 months in prison for conspiring to traffic in counterfeit media, United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced.

According to court documents, between April 2011 and July 25, 2011, Hernandez conspired with others to manufacture counterfeit DVDs in the garage of a co-defendant’s residence in Modesto. Hernandez was paid for manufacturing the DVDs and operating a warehouse in Modesto that was used as a storage and distribution area for the DVDs. Hernandez supplied thousands of counterfeit music CDs and motion picture DVDs to individuals that came to the Modesto warehouse, for ultimate resale to the public. He also operated vendor stands every week at the Modesto 7th Street Flea Market The total retail value of copyrighted media that was counterfeited in the conspiracy exceeded $2 million.

This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Sacramento Valley Hi-Tech Crimes Task Force, with assistance from the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Henry Z. Carbajal III prosecuted the case.

####

 

Return to Top

USAO Homepage
USAO Briefing Room

Community Outreach

Teen Prescription Drug Abuse

Giving Back to the Community through a variety of venues & initatives.

Stay Connected: Visit us on Twitter

Twitter
Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force

Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force

Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee

Training and seminars for Federal, State, and Local Law Enforcement Agencies.

Read U.S. Attorney Wagner’s October Report to the District, which highlights the complex issue of bullying.

Afraid your child is being bullied or is bullying others? Find helpful resources at: www.stopbullying.gov

Project Safe Childhood

Help us combat the proliferation of sexual exploitation crimes against children.