Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, April 17, 1990 TAG: 9004170161
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: LESLIE TAYLOR STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Judge Jackson Kiser in U.S. District Court also ordered Frank Edward Catron, owner of Catron's Satellite Sales in Vinton, to pay a $7,500 fine and Richard Lewis Johnston, of Master TV and Appliance Co. in Pulaski, a fine of $5,000.
Catron, 55, and Johnston, 44, pleaded guilty last year to misdemeanor charges of selling descrambling devices with altered computer chips that allowed owners of satellite television dishes to illegally intercept TV transmissions.
The federal charges were the first of their kind filed in Western Virginia. They came after a year-long FBI investigation into the fairly new, high-tech crime of satellite television piracy.
By using electronic chips that are reprogrammed by a personal computer and installed in satellite TV receivers, viewers are able to receive pay-TV programs without paying for them.
"It was a stupid mistake and I'm sorry," Johnston said in a low voice when Kiser asked if there was anything he wanted to say.
Attorney Michael Barbour said Johnston had "divorced himself from his business and his community out of remorse for this offense."
"He has punished himself for becoming part of this business," Barbour said of his client.
Catron's attorney, Wade Hampton, said his client, who is handicapped, had led a "blameless life until he became involved in the TV business."
"He had no criminal or evil intent," Hampton said of Catron's activities. "He was astounded to hear that it was a criminal act."
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennie Montgomery stressed to Kiser that because the crimes were "monetarily motivated," imposing fines "is what's most important in this case."
by CNB