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Feds Indict Two For Posting Unreleased Music On Internet
March 9, 2006 at 1:21 PM (PT)
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The U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of TENNESSEE, JIM VINES, and the MEMPHIS Division of the FBI today announced two indictments by a federal grand jury for violating criminal copyright laws regarding unreleased recorded music. According to the indictment, the two individuals -- of MILWAUKEE and JACKSONVILLE -- posted songs from the RYAN ADAMS & THE CARDINALS album "JACKSON CITY NIGHTS" on an Internet website prior to the album’s commercial release.
Federal authorities used a provision of law passed as part of the FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT COPYRIGHT ACT in APRIL 2005 to prosecute this pre-release music piracy case.
Responding to the news, RIAA Chairman and CEO MITCH BAINWOL stated, "Everyone who participates in the creation of music is especially gratified by this prosecution. Pre-release piracy is a particularly damaging and onerous form of theft. It robs artists of the chance to sell their music before it even hits the streets or becomes legally available online. And the ripple effects are felt far and wide throughout the entire music community -- especially when that theft strikes in NASHVILLE, the very heart of our industry.
"We’re extremely thankful for the efforts of JIM VINES, his team at the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI for their leadership. We commend Congress for giving prosecutors the tools they need to achieve swift and successful enforcement of this devastating form of piracy. The message here is clear: significant crimes bring significant consequences."

