Guilty Pleas Entered In Counterfeit DVD/CD Ring

William Joseph Henneberger, 32, Ruth Gloria Henneberger, 36, Daniel Justino Diaz, 34, Vanessa Pecina, 30, Leticia Perez Aguilar, 39, Joe Silvas, 43, and Joe Cruz Hernandez, 31, have all admitted to reproducing and distributing 10 or more copyrighted works during a 180-day period. The total amount of combined losses as calculated by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) are $690,297.67.

The convictions come as a result of a year-long investigation into the manufacture and distribution of counterfeit DVDs and music CDs in the Corpus Christi area. With the exception of Silvas, a local DJ who owned Bomb Records, the remaining six defendants were all vendors at a Corpus Christi flea market. All defendants were identified as being involved in the manufacture and distribution of counterfeit DVDs and music CDs. As a result, agents obtained federal search warrants in August 2012 for three residences and Bomb Records, all located in Corpus Christi. During the execution of the warrants, agents seized more than 58,000 pirated DVDs and CDs along with production materials including computers and DVD duplicators.  

All seven convicted today face up to five years imprisonment and a fine up to $250,000 at their sentencing hearing, set for July 9, 2013.  

The investigation leading to the criminal charges was conducted in Corpus Christi lead by Homeland Security Investigations, Corpus Christi Police Department Organized Crime Unit, Kingsville Specialized Crimes Task Force, Customs and Border Protection, RIAA and MPAAding Industry Association of America and the Motion Picture Association of America. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hugo R. Martinez.