Peoria, Ill. – A Peoria, Illinois man charged with copyright infringement made his initial appearance in federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge John A. Gorman yesterday and a trial date of August 31, 2009, was scheduled. A federal grand jury returned the indictment charging David P. Troesser, 27, of the 1200 block of Coronado Drive, on June 17, 2009. The indictment had remained sealed pending Troesser’s arrest on June 24, 2009. Judge Gorman released Troesser with conditions pending trial.

The indictment alleges that from October 27, 2008, through April 22, 2009, Troesser illegally sold 10 or more copies of a copyrighted software program, Microsoft Windows XP Professional Edition. The indictment also seeks criminal forfeiture of any property illegally derived from proceeds obtained as a result of the offense, including counterfeited copies of Microsoft XP Professional Edition software and associated counterfeit packaging and a personal computer.

If convicted, the statutory penalty for the offense of copyright infringement is up to five years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.

Members of the public are reminded that an indictment is merely an accusation; the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

The charges are the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; U.S. Secret Service, the Peoria Police Department, and the Peoria County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk D. Schoenbein is prosecuting the case.