FBI Piracy Inquiry Leads to Prison Sentences

[Gregg Lengling]

The FBI's field office in Jackson, Miss., recently completed a long-term investigation into satellite piracy, an effort that led to prison sentences for three state residents.

In October, Robert Calvin "Sonny" Scott, Jr., Robert Calvin "Scotty" Scott, III, and Donna W. Scott, wife of Sonny Scott, pled guilty to violating federal law prohibiting the sale of illegally decrypted electronic devices used for theft of satellite TV services. Specifically, the subjects were involved in the illegal sale of modified DirecTV and DISH Network satellite access cards, the Jackson FBI office said.

Recently, Robert Scott, Jr., and Robert Scott, III, were sentenced to jail terms in U.S. District Court: Robert Scott, III, was sentenced to 16 months in jail and a three-year term of supervised release; and Robert Scott, Jr., was sentenced to two months in jail and a three-year term of supervised release. Donna Scott was sentenced to two months of house arrest and three years probation.

The FBI office said it received assistance from DirecTV and DISH Network during its investigation.