Unauthorized Videos Seized During Raid

Downey police and investigators from the Motion Picture Assn. of America seized 116 master tapes and 259 unauthorized copies of movie videocassettes during a raid at a home in Downey, officials said Thursday.

Arrested during the raid Wednesday was Arturo Silva, owner of the home on Cherokee Avenue. He was booked on suspicion of violating the state’s True Name and Address Statute, which imposes criminal penalties for the rental or sale of videos that do not bear the names and addresses of the so-called “video pirates” who produce them illegally.

Officials said Silva has been producing the illegal videos for sale at swap meets and flea markets and by street vendors.

The motion picture association said Silva was copying the movie “The Fan” when his residence was raided. Other titles confiscated included “Bullet,” “The Nutty Professor” and “Spy Hard.”

Seized in addition to the tapes were 24 videocassette recorders used to duplicate the master tapes, investigators said.

Officials said the illegal operation was unearthed by the association, which developed the probable cause for the warrant under which the raid was conducted.