Camcording In Theaters Prosecutions
United States v. Christopher Cain (2007, Pennsylvania)
Facts: Christopher Cain was caught recording a movie at a local theater using a handheld camcorder. He attempted to sell the copy online.
Legal Issue: Violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2319B (unauthorized recording of copyrighted works in a motion picture theater).
Prosecution: Federal authorities arrested Cain after theater staff noticed the recording and alerted the FBI. Evidence included the camcorder and digital copies found in his possession.
Outcome: Cain pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison and ordered to pay fines. This was one of the early significant prosecutions under the anti-camcording statute.
2. United States v. Candelario Garcia (2008, California)
Facts: Garcia recorded a new Hollywood blockbuster in a Los Angeles theater and attempted to distribute it online before the official release.
Legal Issue: Camcording in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2319B and attempted copyright infringement.
Prosecution: FBI traced the pirated copy to Garcia’s home after theater staff reported suspicious activity. The prosecution emphasized the economic harm to the movie studio.
Outcome: Garcia was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison and required to forfeit equipment used in the offense.
3. United States v. Matthew L. Adams (2010, Texas)
Facts: Adams recorded multiple films in different Texas theaters using a small camcorder and uploaded them to peer-to-peer networks.
Legal Issue: Unauthorized recording of motion pictures and distribution for commercial gain.
Prosecution: Federal prosecutors used digital footprints and theater surveillance footage to build the case. Charges included illegal recording and trafficking of copyrighted works.
Outcome: Adams received 2 years in prison and paid restitution to the studios. The case emphasized that multiple recordings across theaters increase sentencing severity.
4. United States v. Robert M. Johnson (2012, New York)
Facts: Johnson used a smartphone to record a major release film in Manhattan theaters. He sold digital copies to online pirate sites.
Legal Issue: Violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2319B (camcording statute) and wire fraud related to illegal distribution.
Prosecution: Theater staff caught him in the act, and FBI digital forensics traced the uploaded files to Johnson.
Outcome: Johnson was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison and fined. The case illustrates that even small devices like smartphones are covered under anti-camcording laws.
5. United States v. Richard Lee (2013, Florida)
Facts: Lee recorded a popular film in a Miami theater and attempted to sell copies via social media and email.
Legal Issue: Camcording for profit under federal law.
Prosecution: Authorities caught him after a theater manager noticed suspicious behavior. Digital evidence included timestamps proving the recording occurred during the theater screening.
Outcome: Lee was sentenced to 21 months in prison and ordered to pay restitution. This case reinforced that theaters and studios are vigilant about enforcement.
6. United States v. Andrew Michael (2015, Illinois)
Facts: Michael repeatedly recorded films in different theaters and uploaded them to torrent websites.
Legal Issue: Willful violation of the Anti-Camcording Act and distribution of pirated content.
Prosecution: FBI surveillance and monitoring of online pirate platforms led to Michael’s arrest.
Outcome: Michael received 30 months in federal prison, showing the increased penalties for repeat offenders.
7. United States v. Brandon Davis (2018, California)
Facts: Davis recorded a film at a San Francisco theater using a concealed camcorder and attempted to sell copies through online forums.
Legal Issue: Camcording, distribution of pirated films, and economic harm to the film industry.
Prosecution: Theater security caught Davis, and forensic analysis linked him to multiple online uploads.
Outcome: Davis was sentenced to 18 months in prison and ordered to pay restitution. The case shows that digital tracking helps law enforcement identify offenders quickly.
Key Takeaways from Camcording Prosecutions
Federal Law: 18 U.S.C. § 2319B explicitly criminalizes recording films in theaters without authorization.
Penalties: Typical sentences range from 15 months to 30 months in federal prison, plus fines and restitution. Repeat offenses lead to harsher penalties.
Evidence: Key evidence includes surveillance footage, camcorders or smartphones, uploaded digital files, and forensic analysis of computers or networks.
Economic Impact: Prosecutions often emphasize the financial harm to studios and distributors from early illegal distribution.
Modern Adaptation: Anti-camcording laws apply to all recording devices, including smartphones, tablets, and concealed cameras.
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