Thousands of DVD counterfeits seized

2 are charged; devices found that could copy discs in 8 minutes

Saturday, March 17, 2007

By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer

Two Lenoir men have been charged with piracy after investigators found more than $96,000 in counterfeit DVDs, compact discs and recording equipment at a Caldwell County home, authorities said.

Robert Edward Shatley, 51, was charged Wednesday with one count each of possession of counterfeit videos or DVDs and criminal use of counterfeit trademark, both felonies, according to the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office.

Authorities seized 4,300 counterfeit DVDs, 18 videotapes, 470 recordable DVDs, four computer towers and eight hard drives from Shatley's home, Sheriff Alan Jones said in a news release.

The Motion Picture Association of America valued the DVDs at $88,749, authorities said. Jones said the equipment found in Shatley's home could copy a full-length movie in eight minutes.

A neighbor of Shatley's, 34-year-old Todd Henry Lawrence, was charged with one count of felony possession of counterfeit videos or DVDs. Authorities said they found 241 copied DVDs, worth $4,888, in Lawrence's home.

Shatley was released from the Caldwell County jail on $10,000 bond. Lawrence was released on a written promise to appear in court.


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