NY man pleads guilty to copyright charges

Published August 23, 2012 7:39pm ET



NORFOLK, Va. (AP) — A New York man faces up to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to illegally copying and distributing copyrighted computer software and training materials.

Prosecutors say 36-year-old Dennis Newsome, of Beacon, N.Y., pleaded guilty Thursday in Norfolk federal court.

Court documents say Newsome operated an online business that sold computer software, education, and training materials. Prosecutors say that from 2008 through 2010 he illegally sold more than 750 copies of copyrighted works at a fraction of their normal price. For example, he charged $24.99 for products that ranged in price from $750 to $4,295.

As part of his plea, Newsome will forfeit the proceeds from and property that he used in the illegal activity, as well as illegal copies of the copyrighted products.

Sentencing is set for Dec. 3.