Couple arrested for alleged TV, internet piracy scam in Hudson

Image 1 of 4

If it's too good to be true, it probably is. Or maybe it's actually illegal. That's what Pasco County deputies say was the case with a cable TV scam allegedly operated by a married couple.

Deputies arrested Nancy Major and Mickael Cantrell, charging them with several crimes relating to piracy. Investigators say they were selling smart TV boxes with a special app allowing their customers to stream stolen content.

"This is someone who is selling access to stolen content [and] theft is theft,” said Detective Darren Hill with the Pasco Sheriff's Office.  “It doesn't matter if you're breaking into a rich person's house and stealing 20 bucks; it's still stealing."

Hill says the Motion Picture Association of America informed them after seeing the couple’s website.

Detectives say they were operating out of a building on US 19 in Hudson that has since been boarded up. 

Deputies are seeing a rise in this type of activity and, a lot of times, people don't know the consequences.

"These people are not hardened criminals," Hill said.

Owning one of these boxes with the special app is a misdemeanor and having possession of more than five and selling them could cost you a felony. 

Detectives say this arrest will certainly send a message.

"A lot of people see it as the cable companies overcharging, however, you don't have a right to someone else's labor," Hill added.

They're each facing three felony charges.  The two have each posted a $15,000 bond.

News