NinjaVideo.net admins plead guilty to copyright-related charges

25.10.2011

The site generated more than $500,000 in income from Internet advertising and visitor donations, the DOJ said. Evans received $26,660, while Andrew received $5,250, the DOJ said. Both defendants agreed to pay restitution.

Evans, Andrew and three other alleged co-conspirators were indicted on Sept. 9 on six charges related to their work with NinjaVideo. Evans and Andrew are the third and fourth co-defendants to plead guilty for their roles.

Co-defendants Matthew David Howard Smith and Hana Amal Beshara to conspiracy and criminal copyright infringement. Smith will be sentenced on Dec. 16 and Beshara will be sentenced on Jan. 6. An arrest warrant has been issued for the remaining co-defendant in the indictment, Zoi Mertzanis of Greece.

Evans faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison on each count of conspiracy and copyright infringement, as well as a $250,000 fine. His sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 27.

Andrew faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison on the conspiracy count and a $250,000 fine. Andrew's sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 3.