x
Breaking News
More () »

Scottsdale man accused of stealing $20M in music royalties

Jose Teran, 36, has been indicted in federal court for allegedly monetizing over 50,000 songs he and an accomplice didn't have the rights for.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz — A Scottsdale man is facing several federal charges after he allegedly profited off of songs he did not have the right to monetize. 

Jose Teran, 36, was indicted earlier this month on charges of wire fraud, identity theft, and money laundering after he and Webster Batista, 38, allegedly collected over $20 million in music royalties. 

The defendants allegedly used the identities of others to collect royalties on over 50,000 songs, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office of Arizona. 

Through their company, MediaMuv, Teran, and Batista allegedly signed contracts with third-party companies that falsely represented them as having legal claims to the songs they were monetizing. 

Teran and Batista allegedly did not pay anything to the artists or their representatives, whose music generated royalties that the defendants collected.  

If convicted, the defendants could face several years in prison. 

RELATED: Suspect still at large after 16-year-old shot on Cesar Chavez High School campus

RELATED: Valley veteran battles state for benefits after identity theft

Up to Speed

 

Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12 News YouTube channel. Subscribe today.

Silent Witness: 

Arizona's Silent Witness program allows people to send in tips and share information about crimes happening within their local communities. 

The program shares unsolved felony case information in multiple ways, including TV, radio and social media. 

Anyone who has information on a crime or recognizes a suspect described by the program is asked to call 480-948-6377, go to the program's website online or download the Silent Witness app to provide a tip. The identity of anyone who submits a tip is kept anonymous. 

Calls to Silent Witness are answered 24/7 by a live person and submitted tips are accepted at all times. Submitted tips are then sent to the detective(s) in charge of the specific case. 

Individuals who submit tips that lead to an arrest or indictment in the case can get a reward of up to $1,000. 

Before You Leave, Check This Out