Elgin man pleads guilty to selling pirated DVDs

An Elgin man pleaded guilty Thursday to charges he was selling pirated DVDs out of his business.

Warnell Wright, 49, admitted to unlawful use of an unidentified sound recording, a felony, and was sentenced to 18 months probation. He also received 18 months probation for violating the terms of prior probation sentence handed down on the same charge early this year.

Elgin police arrested Wright in September after undercover officers bought pirated DVDs of "Funny People," "The Goods," "World's Greatest Dad," "The Hangover" and "Inglourious Basterds" at his shop in the 600 block of Wing Street. None of the films had been officially released to DVD at the time.

Judge James Hallock questioned the plea agreement reached by the Kane County state's attorney's office and Wright, but approved it anyway.

He noted that the one of the terms of Wright's 2008 probation was that he obey all state and federal laws.

"What would make the court believe that he would do it now?" Hallock asked.

His attorney responded that Wright had cooperated with investigators and turned over all his DVDs after the arrest.

"I suggest to the state that there be future visits to this shop," Hallock said, but was informed the shop is closed.

"Well, there's mitigation for you," he told Wright.

Hallock, asking Wright's employment status, was told the defendant is taking classes to become a security officer.

"So he has obtained security clearance, even after these charges?" an incredulous Hallock asked.

Hallock told Wright to "imagine what would happen if you came back with one of these cases."

"You don't have to worry about that, your honor," Wright responded.

Wright pleaded guilty in January to a 2008 case in which he was found guilty of selling pirated DVDs out of an SUV in a parking lot at 10 S. State St. in Elgin.