News Summary
Five men have been sentenced for their involvement in Jetflicks, an illegal streaming service responsible for copyright infringements valued at $37.5 million. The defendants received prison terms from time served to seven years, highlighting the serious consequences of internet piracy. Jetflicks offered over 183,000 TV episodes without proper licensing, significantly impacting legitimate copyright owners. The case underscores the ongoing battle against copyright violations in the streaming landscape.
Las Vegas – Five men have been sentenced for their roles in operating the illegal streaming service Jetflicks, the largest internet piracy case to go to trial in the United States. The operation was responsible for copyright infringement valued at approximately $37.5 million, surpassing the inventory of television episodes available on major platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime.
The five defendants, Kristopher Lee Dallmann (42), Douglas M. Courson (65), Felipe Garcia (43), Peter H. Huber (67), and Jared Edward Jaurequi (44, also known as Jared Edwards), were sentenced in late May, with prison terms ranging from time served to seven years. Dallmann, one of the main figures, received a sentence of 84 months for conspiracy, money laundering, and criminal copyright infringement, whereas Huber was sentenced to 18 months. Jaurequi will serve approximately five months already served, in addition to 180 days of home confinement and 500 hours of community service. Garcia and Courson received 49 and 48 days in prison, respectively, along with probation and community service obligations.
Jetflicks operated as a subscription-based streaming service, allowing users to access and download over 183,000 different TV episodes without proper licensing. At its peak, it was said to provide more television episodes than any licensed streaming service in existence. The illegal streaming operation drew in millions of dollars, significantly impacting thousands of legitimate copyright owners across the U.S.
Automated software and scripts were employed by the defendants to expedite the downloading and processing of pirated media, often making the content available to Jetflicks subscribers as soon as the day after it aired. The service reportedly had tens of thousands of paying customers in both the U.S. and Canada.
Initially filed in Virginia, the case was later transferred to Nevada for trial. Five men were indicted as part of the operation, while three others were previously sentenced for related offenses. Darryl Polo, a former computer programmer for Jetflicks, was sentenced to four years and nine months earlier in May 2021 for his involvement. Additionally, Luis Villarino was sentenced to one year and one day for conspiracy to commit criminal copyright infringement. Another defendant, Yoany Vaillant, a Cuban citizen who worked as a programmer for Jetflicks, is set to be sentenced on September 4, after being convicted in a separate trial.
The investigation leading to these convictions was spearheaded by the FBI’s Washington, D.C. field office, in coordination with their Las Vegas counterpart. The operation was located in a home in Las Vegas, strategically positioned near Eastern Avenue and Desert Inn Road, utilizing multiple computers and phones to facilitate their illegal streaming activities.
The successful prosecution of the Jetflicks case highlights a significant development in the ongoing battle against internet piracy in the United States. As streaming continues to dominate the entertainment landscape, this landmark case serves as a warning that violations of copyright law will be met with serious consequences.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Nevada Men Sentenced for Major Illegal Streaming Operation
Five Men Sentenced for Largest Illegal Streaming Operation
Additional Resources
- 8 News Now
- USA Today
- Fox5 Vegas
- Wikipedia: Copyright Infringement
- Google Search: Illegal Streaming Services
Author: STAFF HERE LAS VEGAS WRITER
LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER The LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELasVegas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Las Vegas, Clark County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Electric Daisy Carnival, World Series of Poker, and Consumer Electronics Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and Three Square Food Bank, plus leading businesses in hospitality and entertainment that power the local economy such as MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Las Vegas Sands. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Nevada's dynamic landscape.
