"My mother saved all of the DVDs, CDs and videos," Arellano said. "She saves those." Authorities also found that Arellano's computer had a link to a Web site in France that sells pirated films. Cam copies of movies are the main source for pirate copies of new movies showing in theaters, according to Angela Martinez, a spokeswoman for the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA).
"People have made a business out of this, and as the camcorders get better, the quality gets better," Martinez said. "It's how most movies are stolen." Arellano has been charged with criminal use of a motion-picture facility, unlawful use of a sound-recording device, computer fraud and online sale of stolen property.
His bail has been set at $20,000. His wife was charged with criminal use of a motion-picture facility. The MPAA estimates the street value of the goods found at his home to be in around $50,000. "I was surprised when they had arrested us," Arellano said. "I didn't think I did anything really wrong." He claims he was making the recording for his kids, who are Hannah Montana fans, and that the quality was not professional.