Alleged Sat Pirate Hit with Contempt

An alleged satellite pirate targeted last year during a search and seizure raid has refused a judge's order to turn over information regarding the case. The suspect, Canadian citizen Troy Megill, refused to provide the court with details about his activities and was sentenced to three months in jail by the Ontario Superior Court for intentionally disobeying a civil search order issued by authorities.

According to EchoStar and Canadian satellite service provider Bell ExpressVu - together with secure-access company NagraStar - numerous unauthorized devices and free-to-air receivers used to circumvent the security on encrypted satellite signals were seized during raids on multiple businesses including EZ123DISH - owned and operated by Megill. After the operation, Megill was ordered to grant access to his web sites and disclose information about his business, including customer records and the identity of his suppliers.

The companies said Megill refused to comply with the court order and was found in contempt for "willfully thwarting the course of justice."

In making the ruling, the judge awarded the companies $72,500 for legal costs. EchoStar, Bell ExpressVu and NagraStar said the decision is a step in the right direction to combat satellite piracy.