SLAMMER: Guns and Roses Blogger Faces Jail Time

The Register reports:
A Los Angeles man who pleaded guilty in December to illegally uploading nine Guns N’ Roses songs onto his music site could be thrown in the slammer for six months if federal prosecutors in the case get their way. Kevin Cogill was arrested last summer after posting tracks on 18 June from GNR’s album Chinese Democracy to his Antiquiet website. He saw the copyright violation charge against him reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor after he admitted to streaming the pre-release tunes.
The album finally arrived (officially at least) in November 2008 following a 17-year gestation. According to court findings, prosecuters want to see a six-month prison term imposed on the blogger.

Apparently the RIAA wants to nail him for about $2.2 million (didn't they say they were stopping lawsuits?), but are willing to settle for $30,000. Of course, Mr. Cogill is going to have to become a PR hack for RIAA goons and will be forced to go around telling people that downloading music for free is a wicked, wicked act. Sounds fun. If he refuses, he'll presumably get hit with the full fine and his life will essentially be ruined.

Sentencing is scheduled for May 4, so keep your eyes peeled.