Satellite TV Pirate Sentenced to 14 Months in Federal Prison After Pleading Guilty to Illegally Rebroadcasting DISH Network's Programming

 

ENGLEWOOD, Colo., Oct 21, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ -- DISH Network Corporation (Nasdaq: DISH), the nation's third largest pay-TV provider, today announced that Glenn White, a known satellite TV pirate, was sentenced to 14 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to illegally rebroadcasting DISH Network's programming.

In July 2006, the FBI conducted a search and seizure of Mr. White's business office and cable distribution center, doing business as Wagram Cable, in Wagram, N.C. The search and seizure orders were executed based on findings of piracy and rebroadcasting of DISH Network's programming without authorization to Wagram Cable subscribers.

During the search, the FBI seized a substantial amount of evidence from both sites. DISH Network receivers containing piracy devices were found at the business office, and numerous DISH Network receivers, some containing piracy devices, were found installed in the cable distribution system.

In November 2007, Mr. White reached a plea agreement with federal prosecutors, resulting in guilty plea for two federal charges. The first charge was violation of Title 47, United States Code, Sections 605 (a) and (e) (2), "willfully divulging and publishing intercepted encrypted satellite television signals for private and financial gain." The second charge was violation of Title 47, United States Code, Section 605 (e) (4), "manufacturing, assembling, modifying and distributing satellite decryption devices."

DISH Network will continue to fight those who aid or participate in illegally breaking into encrypted DISH Network TV channels and set-top boxes.

About DISH Network Corporation

DISH Network Corporation (Nasdaq: DISH), the nation's third largest pay-TV provider and the leader in digital television, provides approximately 13.79 million satellite TV customers as of June 30, 2008 with industry-leading customer satisfaction which has surpassed major cable TV providers for eight consecutive years. DISH Network also provides customers with award-winning HD and DVR technology including the ViP722(TM) HD DVR, which received the Editors' Choice awards from both CNET and PC Magazine. In addition, subscribers enjoy access to hundreds of video and audio channels, the most International channels in the U.S., industry-leading Interactive TV applications, Latino programming, and the best sports and movies in HD. DISH Network offers a variety of package and price options including the lowest all-digital price in America, the DishDVR Advantage Package, high-speed Internet service, and a free upgrade to the best HD DVR in the industry. DISH Network is included in the Nasdaq-100 Index (NDX) and is a Fortune 300 company. Visit www.dishnetwork.com/aboutus or call 1-800-333-DISH (3474) for more information.

SOURCE DISH Network Corporation

http://www.dishnetwork.com/aboutus