Login

CD/DVD pirate busted at flea market

Print

McKinley County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Pat Salazar did an undercover sweep with agents, and an evidence technician, of the Gallup flea mart during the late morning hours of March 5.

Walter Francis, 30, was the only vendor popped for selling more than 600 music CDs along with a handful of DVDs, Salazar explained.

Francis didn’t just buy a CD and rip it and recopy onto other CDs. He went through the Apple Store, or similar sites, and recorded songs online.

“Usually it’s someone buying a CD and ripping a copy,” MSCO Investigator Merle Bates said.

Francis was charged for unauthorized recording and required labeling – both fourth degree felonies.