This Hollywood Reporter article stated that an arrest has been made in the screener case...

"The FBI arrested a Chicago-area man (Russell William Sprague) Thursday on charges of criminal copyright infringement and illegal interception of a satellite signal as a result of the bureau's ongoing investigation into pirated Academy screeners."

Wow! When I read that sentence, I thought Sprague had intercepted the satellite signals of the screeners; possibly being sent from NY to LA. But, alas, he was stealing DirecTV signals and had a few "spare" boxes and decryption cards laying around. The FBI happened to find the DirecTV stuff, while searching for VHS/DVD screeners (which they found along with duplicating equipment).

So, how'd he get the screeners? As it turns out, an Academy member, Carmine Caridi, had been sending the screeners to Sprague, thinking he was a film buff. Sadly, I believe Cardi, who'll probably be expelled from the Academy.

I tend to read the legal agreements I sign. Cardi signed an agreement stating he would not let the screeners leave his home or office. He has admitted he violated his agreement. That's as black-and-white as it gets.
a = signed agreement
v = violation of agreement
e = expulsion

a & b -> e
6:31:43 AM  talkback:[]  #