Piracy Ringleader Pleads Guilty

WASHINGTON – In a case that investigators are claiming cost the software industry more than $20 million in lost revenue, the Justice Department has convicted a Lakeland, Fla. man on charges of criminal copyright infringement for selling pirated software through the mail.

Danny Ferrer, who pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge T.S. Ellis III, is accused of operating a massive for-profit software piracy website. He faces up to 10 years in prison and a $500,000 fine.

The investigation into Ferrer’s business dealings began when the FBI’s Washington field office began receiving complaints from copyright holders about his website. It was later discovered that Ferrer was shipping business and utility software from BuysUSA.com, which sold copies of software products that were copyrighted by companies such as Adobe Systems, Autodesk and Macromedia at prices substantially below the suggested retail price. The software products purchased on the website were reproduced on compact discs and distributed through the mail.

Ferrer operated the website from 2002-2005. During its three years in operation, BuysUSA illegally sold more than $2.47 million of copyrighted software.

Justice is calling Ferrer one of the largest commercial online distributors of pirated software in the U.S.

In light of the charges against him, Ferrer has agreed to give up some of his possessions including numerous airplanes, a helicopter, boats, cars and an ambulance.

Fisher said she hoped Ferrer’s conviction will send a sobering message to those who profit from the illegal sale and distribution of copyrighted works.

“This case reflects the Justice Department’s continued commitment to the enforcement of intellectual property laws and to bringing those who steal software and other intellectual property to justice,” she said.

Ferrer’s sentencing will take place Aug. 25.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Texas Resumes AV Lawsuit Against Aylo Following SCOTUS Decision

A district court judge in Texas has unfrozen the state’s $1.6 million lawsuit against Aylo for allegedly failing to comply with age verification requirements, Bloomberg Law is reporting.

Nadia Jay Stars in Latest From Brazzers

Nadia Jay stars with Mick Blue in the latest release from Brazzers, titled "Fucking the Bath Voyeur."

Tommy Gunn Reflects on His Legendary Past as He Looks to the Future

Tommy Gunn is wearing an eyepatch. It’s not an homage to the classic "Pirates" porn parody franchise, in which Gunn takes on the Johnny Depp role. The eyepatch is a temporary measure to help him deal with a nerve palsy that came out of nowhere several years ago and affects his vision from time to time. Gunn needs his vision. As one of the adult industry’s longest-serving male stars, he still has plenty to look forward to.

Rocco Siffredi Directs New Rebel Rhyder Showcase

Evil Angel has released Rocco Siffredi’s Rebel Rhyder showcase title, "Rebel Meets Rebel."

JuicyAds Wins Trademark Infringement Case Against Fraudulent Domain

JuicyAds has won its World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) case against a website using a similar domain to impersonate the company's site and defraud customers.

Shalina Devine Toplines 'Thr3e #7' From Dorcel

Shalina Devine headlines the latest release from Dorcel, titled "Thr3e #7."

Chloe Amour Headlines 'Unfaithful Betrayal 3' From Bellesa Films

Chloe Amour toplines the third volume of “Unfaithful Betrayal” from Bellesa Films.

Misty Addams Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Misty Addams stars with husband Island Boy Brandon and 2024 XMA Europas Male Performer of the Year Christian Clay in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint WIFEY.

Pastelle Makes Her TransAngels Debut

Pastelle has made her TransAngels debut alongside Ali Rush in "Royal Sucksession."

Show More