Beaver Falls Man Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud and Copyright Infringement

PITTSBURGH -- A resident of Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of wire fraud and copyright infringement, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Michael K. See, 34, of Beaver Falls, PA pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from in and around January 2010, to in and around January 22, 2015, See purchased and imported copyright infringing DVDs of television shows and movies. See then sold these copyright infringing DVDs on eBay.

Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for Oct. 6, 2016 at 2 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 25 years in prison, a fine of $500,000.00, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court released the defendant on bond.

Assistant United States Attorney Shardul S. Desai is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Department of Homeland Security/Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of See.