Couple Sentenced in Tape Piracy

VAN NUYS — A couple who pleaded guilty to running a movie video piracy operation out of their home were sentenced Tuesday to 20 days on a Caltrans work crew.

Richard Depari and his wife, Ina Depari, both 53, were convicted of tape piracy and ordered to destroy 49 pirated tapes seized at their home and to pay $450 in restitution to a victim, said Deputy City Atty. Kenneth Tso, who handled the case.

The Deparis were arrested after their home was searched Jan. 28 by investigators who found pirated versions of the Disney classics “Sleeping Beauty,” “Bambi,” “Lady and the Tramp,” “The Little Mermaid” and “The Jungle Book,” Tso said.

Police also found a price list for Disney videos and notes detailing ads placed in various publications, Tso said.

The Deparis’ operation was found by police after an El Segundo man reported that he had bought videos from the couple and found them to be used. An investigation revealed that they were pirated copies, Tso said.