Man charged with film piracy
Federal prosecutors have charged a man with using video recorders to
tape advance screenings of major motion pictures.
Johnny Ray Gasca, 33, was arrested by Burbank Police in September,
when he was caught allegedly using a camcorder to tape a screening of
“The Core” at the AMC Theatres Burbank at 140 E. Palm Ave.
Gasca is believed to be the first person to face federal charges
for taping films at movie screenings, Asst. U.S. Atty. Chris Johnson
said. Gasca has been charged with distribution of copyrighted
material, a misdemeanor count of reproduction, felony counts of
witness intimidation and using a false name.
Investigators are trying to determine how Gasca sold copies --
whether he did so on the Internet or on the street.
Gasca had 89 prior arrests for crimes, including attempted murder,
Johnson said. He faces up to 26 years in prison and is being held
without bail until he is arraigned in May.
Laura Sturza