Randy Walter Sentenced to 5 years for Pirating Dish Network

[gunsmoke2]

This is the same case that others got busted with an absence of Ram9999


Satellite Devices - City News Service
City News Service
June 9, 2003 Monday
LOS ANGELES - A West Los Angeles man who built and
sold about 6,000 devices that allowed people to watch
satellite TV without paying was sentenced today to the
maximum penalty of five years in federal prison.

Randyl Walter, 45, pleaded guilty in December to
one count of manufacturing and selling hardware that
decoded the DISH Network's signal.

Prosecutors said Walter, who ran PC MED--TECH Inc.,
sold the devices on several Internet sites.

He sold some 6,000 "Womper" cards -- which allow
unlimited access to DISH Network programming --
between January 2001 and March 2002, authorities said.

Because unrestricted access would cost a paying
subscriber $2,477 a year, DISH Network estimates the
devices cost the company about $14.9 million in
revenue, authorities said.

During today's hearing, U.S. District Judge William
Matthew Byrne sentenced Walter to the statutory
maximum because the loss amount was so high, Assistant
U.S. Attorney James Spertus said.

The judge also ordered him to pay nearly $70,000 in
restitution to the company.

Walter "acknowledged that he made a big mistake
getting involved in this industry," Spertus said.

In addition to Walter, the government charged 16
other people nationwide -- including seven Southland
residents -- as part of "Operation Decrypt," which
targeted the software writers and hardware
manufacturers behind signal theft devices.

Spertus said the four other defendants sentenced so
far have each received up to two years in prison.



GS2

[SHWAGNES]

Originally posted by gunsmoke2
This is the same case that others got busted with an absence of Ram9999

quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In addition to Walter, the government charged 16
other people nationwide -- including seven Southland
residents -- as part of "Operation Decrypt," which
targeted the software writers and hardware
manufacturers behind signal theft devices.

Spertus said the four other defendants sentenced so
far have each received up to two years in prison.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GS2

Does anyone know who were the 4 people who got 2 years in prison and did any of them go to discovery so the rat could be revealed?

[Salty Jizm]

Originally posted by gunsmoke2
This is the same case that others got busted with an absence of Ram9999

GS2

GunSmoke,

Can you explain your comment? I don't understand. This case involved stuff for Dish Network and did not involve DTV. Ram9999 was focused on DTV, right?

[GhostDog]

Originally posted by Salty Jizm
GunSmoke,

Can you explain your comment? I don't understand. This case involved stuff for Dish Network and did not involve DTV. Ram9999 was focused on DTV, right?

it is all part of operation decrypt...

http://www.cybercrime.gov/OPdecrypt.htm

[gunsmoke2]

It started of by being a dish case and then went on to DTV cases. One of the biggest take downs in the industry. There was rollovers up to three with Ram most likely being one of the three.


Maxium penalty given is pretty harsh. The only other person I know to get hit like that is Al Lewis ( bags of stone ) who got 5 or 6 years but included other stuff.


Lewis was a con rip off person who sent out stones once he got your money thus the nickname bags of stones. I spoke to him on the phone once or twice and he was real smooth.



GS2

[SHWAGNES]

Originally posted by gunsmoke2
It started of by being a dish case and then went on to DTV cases. One of the biggest take downs in the industry. There was rollovers up to three with Ram most likely being one of the three.
GS2

Is what your saying your gut feeling, or do you have solid proof?

[gunsmoke2]

Gut feeling. I don't think anyone has solid proof but when aol and others are taken down with Ram not it seems suspicious.


GS2

[javist]

I think that's all the evidence you need right there.

Wow 5 years in federal prison for satellite thief. Thats CRAZY.

[SHWAGNES]

Originally posted by gunsmoke2
Gut feeling. I don't think anyone has solid proof but when aol and others are taken down with Ram not it seems suspicious.


GS2

I agree 110%. It seems strange that Ram, CyberV and Gizmo Bob all knew each other and Gizmo bob has been confirmed raided.
CyberV is all speculation however when phoned back in October he admitted to being raided. Then there's MPiK and AOL who were on Rams server as well. Also Ram, Cyber, Gizmo all lived with in 20 minutes of one another and hung out. Gizmo Bob also introduced Ram to the testing community...

[To The Real King!!]

Hi Skeezer,

DTV have already stated that there were 3 informants in this case so its not just dumb luck at all.

Bye the way have you been to court yet for any final conclusion?

I know some others have been sentenced already but others not yet.

If you have not been sentenced yet, perhaps its not wise for you to be posting until its over. JMHOhttp://www.legal-rights.org/images/ttrk.gif
http://www.legal-rights.org/images/niceday.gif
Thanks & Good Luck ,

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[GhostDog]

Originally posted by gunsmoke2


Lewis was a con rip off person who sent out stones once he got your money thus the nickname bags of stones. I spoke to him on the phone once or twice and he was real smooth.


From cybercrime.gov:

Longest Sentence for Satellite Television Piracy Affirmed by the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals



Nashville, TN - July 11 , 2002 - James K. Vines, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee, announced that the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals today affirmed the 72-month federal prison sentence imposed against Alvin Lee Lewis, formerly of Thompson Station, Tennessee. Lewis was convicted for manufacturing and selling satellite television signal theft devices and for money laundering. According to satellite television industry observers this is the longest sentence yet imposed in a satellite television piracy prosecution in the United States.

Lewis, 46, was convicted May 28, 1999 on twelve counts of conspiracy, fraud and money laundering after a jury trial. These convictions stemmed from a fraudulent scheme in which Lewis and his then 20-year-old nephew, Brandon Scott, manufactured and sold electronic devices that unscrambled all satellite television channels, including premium channels and pay-per-view programming, without payment of the required subscription fees to satellite television programming providers. The money laundering convictions were based upon Lewis’ use of the proceeds from this mail and wire fraud scheme to further and promote that scheme.

Lewis was sentenced on August 30, 1999 by United States District Court Judge Thomas A. Higgins to serve seventy-two months in federal prison. Lewis also was ordered to pay restitution totaling $12.5 million to DirecTV.

Lewis initially failed to surrender to serve his 72-month sentence on November 1, 1999, as ordered by the District Court. Lewis was arrested by United States Marshals outside a room at the Tiki motel in Pensacola, Florida on November 23, 1999. He was returned by United States Marshals to the Middle District of Tennessee. On January 5, 2000, Lewis was indicted for failing to surrender to serve his original 72-month sentence. On March 13, 2000, Lewis pled guilty to that offense. On April 14, 2000, Lewis was sentenced to serve an additional 12-month sentence.

Lewis presently is confined at the Federal Correctional Institution in Memphis.

This case was investigated jointly by United States Secret Service Special Agent Robert Jones and Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division Special Agent Jo Lynch.

[GhostDog]

keep in mind also, this is all federal prison, where there is no parole system.... on a 6 yr. term like lewis got, even with the best behaviour he will serve over 5 years... nevermind the court ordered $12 million in restitution, which will lead to more jail (contempt) if he cant scrape that up... if you are in the us, still involved with this ---- in any way, u need to kick yourself in the head and wake up...:K

[Skeezer]

Originally posted by To The Real King!!
Hi Skeezer,

If you have not been sentenced yet, perhaps its not wise for you to be posting until its over. JMHO


True ;)

[gunsmoke2]

Hi Skeezer, :)


Being a criminal area theres no restriction to post or be on the internet. Civilly they could have an injunction preventing you.


I think its ok to post but definately becareful what you say.



GS2

[Dean_M_Love]

Originally posted by GhostDog
keep in mind also, this is all federal prison, where there is no parole system.... on a 6 yr. term like lewis got, even with the best behaviour he will serve over 5 years... nevermind the court ordered $12 million in restitution, which will lead to more jail (contempt) if he cant scrape that up... if you are in the us, still involved with this ---- in any way, u need to kick yourself in the head and wake up...:K


As far as I know, you CANNOT be found in contempt simply because you don't have the money to pay a debt, even a court ordered one....

[lustinspace]

I think we can chalk that up as just another lie from the GhostDog.

[GhostDog]

in canada u definately can under proceeds of crime legislation... this is to prevent criminals from quickly liquidating and hiding assets in the event of trouble... under the legislation a fine of $1 million for instance would turn into 10 years in jail if not paid... because it is proceeds of crime, they are asking for money they know you have made and have... contempt was probably a bad word

[Sithlord]

In the United States, one cannot be imprisoned for failure to pay a debt--of any kind. Thank our Founding Fathers for this.:)

[Lrn2Hk2Lrn]

Unless it's to the IRS!:mad:

[GhostDog]

i'm not talking about 'debt' and thats not what it is in this case... it is a court ordered payment... u can bet that there is a stipulation in the sentencing regarding the payment of the 9 million in restitution... may provide for jail if not paid, may not, cant tell without reading the judgement, but it is not at all uncommon

[thor33]

Does anyone no if any of these cases have gone to trial or are they all being settled out of a courtroom?

[Dean_M_Love]

Originally posted by GhostDog
in canada u definately can under proceeds of crime legislation... this is to prevent criminals from quickly liquidating and hiding assets in the event of trouble... under the legislation a fine of $1 million for instance would turn into 10 years in jail if not paid... because it is proceeds of crime, they are asking for money they know you have made and have... contempt was probably a bad word

...under proceeds of crime they would have already seized the money or assets, as that is the evidence they need to prosecute....

[Dean_M_Love]

i'm not talking about 'debt' and thats not what it is in this case... it is a court ordered payment... u can bet that there is a stipulation in the sentencing regarding the payment of the 9 million in restitution... may provide for jail if not paid, may not, cant tell without reading the judgement, but it is not at all uncommon

I still do not believe you could be jailed for failing to pay restitution, as that would be nothing more than the equivalent of a debtors prison....failure to pay a fine can result in jail, but I don't think restitution would be the same...

[gunsmoke2]

Someone stole $35,000 in the US from CT from me and was sentenced to 10 years with three years to be served in jail. He was ordered to pay restitution as part of his sentence when he got out of jail. Hes now out of jail and I have been told if he fails to make resitution he can go back to jail to finish the seven years.


I'll soon find out what really happens



GS2

[Dean_M_Love]

...I guess it is possible, I might be wrong, but it sure sounds an awful lot like being put in jail for not have the money to pay a debt, but I guess the logic is that you stole it, not borrowed it, so the rules for borrowing do not apply....

[gunsmoke2]

My guy had 16 prior convictions and was guilty of first degree largency and second degree harassment. ( did you read that hitec ) He also skipped out at his sentence when I came to testify as a victim. He turned himself up a few months after being on the run.


He is now under the control of the probation dept. He can pay back over a long period of time just not sure hows that suppose to work if he doesn't have a job.


I have a civil Judgement against him and he paid nothing so I went there a sworn out a complaint which lead to his arrest.


He was represented by that hot shot lawyer in CT Mickey Sherman whos on CNN sometimes.


GS2

[gunsmoke2]

My guy had 16 prior convictions and was guilty of first degree largency and second degree harassment. ( did you read that hitec ) He also skipped out at his sentence when I came to testify as a victim. He turned himself up a few months after being on the run.


He is now under the control of the probation ( correction ) dept. He can pay back over a long period of time just not sure hows that suppose to work if he doesn't have a job.


I have a civil Judgement against him and he paid nothing so I went there a sworn out a complaint which lead to his arrest.


He was represented by that hot shot lawyer in CT Mickey Sherman whos on CNN sometimes.


GS2

[lustinspace]

Restitution is only a requirement if the prosecution makes the case that there is sufficient evidence that the money has been hidden or is otherwise available and the judge sees fit to make it part of the sentencing. This apparently doesnt happen often in the US since the bad guys typically spend all the money before they get caught. "Good behavior" by restitution or cooperation is often specified as condition for early parole, however parole can be revoked for any violation and the full term reimposed without the need for much more than a simple hearing. Even when the full amount is specified, negotiation can reduce it, but only if the plaintiff agrees. Given the difference between early parole and long terms in prison, some monetary arrangement often ahppens. But once the full sentence is up, there isnt much hope of getting the money.

[gunsmoke2]

Restitution is only a requirement if the prosecution makes the case that there is sufficient evidence that the money has been hidden or is otherwise available and the judge sees fit to make it part of the sentencing


That didn't happen in my case. The crook was broke and had a family with four children. The prosecution made no case on that at all and the Judge ordered it. I have been in touch with the state prosecuter and the dept of corrections or probation and again was told he could go back to jail to finish the 10 year sentence if he didn't make resitution


I asked for restitution when I testified as the victim


GS2

[lustinspace]

My mistake I was too specific when there is much variation. In US courts the judge works to guidelines that are specific for certain crimes, advisory for others. But he has the leeway to do what he feels like, within reason, and sometimes without reason. He obviously listened to you as the injured party ( which is part of the prosecution case ) even if your lawyer didnt. Also sounds like he didnt want to screw the family over completely, and gave the guy a chance to be the hero or a zero.
No one really wins in cases like that.
Islamic justice is looking better and better.

[gunsmoke2]

My wife testified as a victim also and the judge quoted me quite often in his sentencing comments. Allowing victims to testify is very good IMHO as they are the ones who get punished by the actions of the criminals


Somewhere I have the transcripts and if I locate them I'll post some of it


GS2

[3BiP]

Originally posted by GhostDog
in canada u definately can under proceeds of crime legislation... this is to prevent criminals from quickly liquidating and hiding assets in the event of trouble... under the legislation a fine of $1 million for instance would turn into 10 years in jail if not paid... because it is proceeds of crime, they are asking for money they know you have made and have... contempt was probably a bad word
i hope they come after you

[alldeadhomiez]

Originally posted by gunsmoke2
Gut feeling. I don't think anyone has solid proof but when aol and others are taken down with Ram not it seems suspicious.

It seems that RAM, AOL, and CLIPGRP all worked closely on several different projects - in particular, the initial exploration of the HU card and the private P3 emulation software that resulted from their findings. Seems a little strange that CLIP's name has not surfaced at all in relation to these busts, considering how important his work was to the group. Is he out of reach (in Canada/elsewhere) or is there some other reason why he has not been targeted?

And why has RAM's avatar and title changed to "Cheese Connoisseur"? Is he back in town or is this something the site admins did?

Inquiring minds want to know. ;)


Posted by thor33
Does anyone no if any of these cases have gone to trial or are they all being settled out of a courtroom?


Correct me if I'm wrong, but one of these cases is yours right? How is that going - are you taking it to trial?

[thor33]

No, I am not going to trial. As the smear campaign said in February, I took a deal and agreed to plead guilty. They didn’t really find much on me and my lawyer got me a deal that was much better than spending a lot of time and money in court.

But the news release in February said that several people did not agree to plead guilty. Of course they were indicted by a grand jury and arrested. Just wondering if they changed their mind and pled guilty, or decided to fight it in court. I believe that Skeezer was one of the people that did not make a plea before the indictment. I was curious whether he was going to fight it or not.

[Skeezer]

My attorneys (criminal specialist) (federal sentencing guideline consultant) ended up getting me a deal also, I'll be going to court for sentencing soon. The cost of going on with discovery then trial was way more then I could afford. The only thing that concerns me is upward departure. The judge can either upward or downward depart from the plea bargain as long as it's with in the federal sentencing guidelines. If the judge thinks the plea is to light for the statutes then they have the power to upward depart from the plea all the way to the maximum with in the guidelines. This is all I want to comment on for now, I hope you understand.

[gunsmoke2]

Skeezer,


Judges usually agreed to the plea bargain since both parties agreed to it.


Good Luck my Friend


GS2

[To The Real King!!]

Hi People,

In general the US courts look to have these matters settled by plea bargain and save the costs of a trial.

Anyone who will cop a plea but has not been sentenced yet should definitely NOT be posting here at this time. You never know who will see your posts and they may have connections with the government attorneys.

Once its all over, if you are not enjoined from posting then THAT is the time since nothing can change after sentencing. Right now its totally inadvisable and especially when its not something that is important to ASK or important to ANSWER. JMHO guys!!.http://www.legal-rights.org/images/ttrk.gif

I have had the lawyers bring my posts into court and ask questions about them and I do not think you want that.

http://www.legal-rights.org/images/niceday.gif
Thanks & Good Luck ,

<a href="mailto:ttrk@legal-rights.org"><font color="#FF0000" size="5"><strong><u>To </u></strong></font><font color="#FF4800" size="5"><strong><u>Th</u></strong></font><font color="#FF6200" size="5"><strong><u>e </u></strong></font><font color="#FF7002" size="5"><strong><u>RE</u></strong></font><font color="#FF9006" size="5"><strong><u>AL </u></strong></font><font color="#FFB508" size="5"><strong><u>Ki</u></strong></font><font color="#FFD014" size="5"><strong><u>ng!!</u></strong></font></a>

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[clipgrp]

Seems a little strange that CLIP's name has not surfaced at all in relation to these busts, considering how important his work was to the group. Is he out of reach (in Canada/elsewhere) or is there some other reason why he has not been targeted?


I keep hearing this spewing of crap...so I guess I will address it here...

RAM and AOL's downfall fell squarely on the fact that they released public 3Ms as well as offered very technical explanations to breaking the HU card.

I have *never* released a 3M publically, nor have I *ever* given out any "access device" in a public fashion. Therefore, in order for me to be a target, I must have "somehow" been shown to have broken the law.

What am I guilty of? Chatting and hinting...a hard sell for a prosecution. You need to break the law beyond a shadow of a doubt for them to raid you/prosecute you.

Now alldeadhomiez, lets ask this about you...you were involved in writing the Phenx/Krypto/hu_emu_dev stuff...why weren't you a target? You actively broke the law...have you been raided? Inquiring minds want to know.

[Sithlord]

Originally posted by clipgrp

What am I guilty of? Chatting and hinting...a hard sell for a prosecution.

Remember that Ump25 was accused by DTV of aiding and abetting via posting on the Internet. So much for one's freedom of speech.

[clipgrp]

Remember that Ump25 was accused by DTV of aiding and abetting via posting on the Internet.


UMP25 does not have criminal charges pending. Thats a big difference.

[pentium101]

Originally posted by alldeadhomiez
And why has RAM's avatar and title changed to "Cheese Connoisseur"?
That's a classic. The one who came up with that one was very clever.

I know some people who that title would be appropriate for. :gg

[rockfordpi]

Ok, I sort of follow what is going on in this thread, but I am a bit slow sometimes. Is it public knowledge which of these people named in this thread that were either charged and/or are cooperating with DTV are the PD Regulars like AOL and RAM?

There were some people listed by their actual name above and it was implied that one of those were AOL and RAM, if that is public knowledge and listed in court docs and other publications, I would like to know there real names so I can follow the case in reality and know who the players are. These people may also need to be deposed in potential lawsuits based on issues like entrapment.

I am not asking anyone to reveal private info, but the names have already been listed here and it was clearly implied who those folks were, I just can't get the name matched with the PD handle.

[junglemike]

i have the means to FIGHT
and
the means to sue for damages when i WIN:D


JM

[SHWAGNES]

Originally posted by junglemike
i have the means to FIGHT
and
the means to sue for damages when i WIN:D


JM

Weren't you one of the paid advertisers here at the Den who loaded HU 3M's, then advertised card unlocking etc. When do you go to court? I'm sure several people at this board would like to know your out come.

[alldeadhomiez]

Originally posted by clipgrp

RAM and AOL's downfall fell squarely on the fact that they released public 3Ms as well as offered very technical explanations to breaking the HU card.


"Cheese Eater" is a term that means "one who runs his mouth about the doings of others."

What exactly happened to RAM9999 if he became a "cheese connoisseur"? Unless his name started with the prefix 'CS-' I have not seen him pop up on any court records. Does this mean that he successfully avoided indictment by turning in his friends?


Now alldeadhomiez, lets ask this about you...you were involved in writing the Phenx/Krypto/hu_emu_dev stuff...why weren't you a target? You actively broke the law...have you been raided? Inquiring minds want to know.

No, I developed nothing, though there may have been persons in the vicinity who did release software. That is something I had no control over and no part in.

Sounds like we are in the same boat here. Let's hope for the best.

[junglemike]

Originally posted by SHWAGNES
Weren't you one of the paid advertisers here at the Den who loaded HU 3M's, then advertised card unlocking etc. When do you go to court? I'm sure several people at this board would like to know your out come.


i had a site here for only one reason , a mod here(MUGGLES) told me in order to run my mouth like i do , i needed to be an advertizer here, so i paid the 200 bucks a month ,i think i was banned at the time for bashing the sheep , and i guess people thought i was a dealer because i stuck up fer their side, i have never done a single card here ( i challege anyone to say or prove otherwise), that ad went to an email addy which i never responed too,never once

i sold vaild and virgin cards on ebay , something which the Feds wish to stop , and thats their perogative, right now thats not illegal , i have 1000's of transactions through paypal and ebay , all 100% legal transactions

and trust me , you will hear about me going to trial and the outcome


jungle

[loco502]

Originally posted by junglemike
.....and trust me , you will hear about me going to trial and the outcome.....
jungle

That will be something interesting to follow :)

[jones07]

Originally posted by junglemike
i had a site here for only one reason , a mod here(MUGGLES) told me in order to run my mouth like i do , i needed to be an advertizer here, so i paid the 200 bucks a month ,i think i was banned at the time for bashing the sheep , and i guess people thought i was a dealer because i stuck up fer their side, i have never done a single card here ( i challege anyone to say or prove otherwise), that ad went to an email addy which i never responed too,never once

i sold vaild and virgin cards on ebay , something which the Feds wish to stop , and thats their perogative, right now thats not illegal , i have 1000's of transactions through paypal and ebay , all 100% legal transactions

and trust me , you will hear about me going to trial and the outcome


jungle

I remember your post much differently then you are stating now. And I will never forget you bragging of being a big time "dealer" and bashing me an other users of being free tv'ers. But since the powers that be deleted all your old posts. I have no proof of this.

BTW Good luck in court. This I really truly mean.

PS: posting again and egging on the FBI will only hurt you and your case. I know this is hard for a blow-hard to do. BUT. Be SMART and Lay-low dude. Don't make a target out of yourself

[Lager]

Originally posted by jones07
I remember your post much differently then you are stating now. And I will never forget you bragging of being a big time "dealer" and bashing me an other users of being free tv'ers. But since the powers that be deleted all your old posts. I have no proof of this.

BTW Good luck in court. This I really truly mean.

PS: posting again and egging on the FBI will only hurt you and your case. I know this is hard for a blow-hard to do. BUT. Be SMART and Lay-low dude. Don't make a target out of yourself

Echoing my own thoughts on all counts there Jones.


Lager

[jones07]

Lager,
Don't you just love it when someone have to contradicted their past statements, When trying to remake themself in a new an better light ?

Mike, I not sure it's going to work dude. I'm not the only who remembers your past self :cool:

[Blaster]

Originally posted by junglemike
i guess people thought i was a dealer because i stuck up fer their side, i have never done a single card
jungle

Hey, it worked for Clinton ;)

[BuckeyeLover]

C'mon $200 a month just to come hear and bash people. Your hitting the pipe a little to much these days Mike.

[Patrick Henry]

junglemike, You're kidding right?

[jones07]

I really hope your lawyers have a better defense then that. If not, then it's best to take care of all your personal business now. And remember when in the shower do not drop your soap :eek: