So where are all those jackasses who accused Starnet of porn charges? Ready for an apology?
ST. JOHNS, Antigua, Aug 17, 2000 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Starnet Communications
International Inc. (OTC-BB: "SNMM") ("Starnet" and the "Company"), a leading
provider of proprietary software for the Internet gaming industry, today
reported that Canadian authorities have concluded their investigation into
allegations that Starnet distributed prohibited pornographic images of adults
and children over the Internet. No charges will be issued against Starnet or
members of the company's management.
An affidavit filed by Canadian authorities on August 14, 2000 in the Supreme
Court of British Columbia stated in paragraph 55 the following: "No pornographic
images of children were found within the computer system operated by Starnet,
and no charges will be recommended to the Attorney General of British Columbia,
as the result of this investigation, in regard to Starnet having distributed
prohibited pornographic images over the Internet."
President and Chief Executive Officer Meldon Ellis said, "Results of the
investigation by Canadian legal authorities confirm what we have maintained
since the beginning of this investigation: we are not, and have never been,
involved in distributing illegal pornography. In fact, we have always had
policies in place that prohibited such illegal commerce to take place. One
non-management employee of the company, in violation of company policy, was
discovered to be in possession of illegal child pornography. He was immediately
dismissed with cause from Starnet, and subsequently charged by Canadian
authorities. Since that time, we have divested our adult entertainment division
and are no longer involved in the adult entertainment industry."
Ellis added, "The filing of this affidavit in essence means that the RCMP has
cleared the company and its management of charges related to distributing
illegal pornographic material. This is a critical finding, given the shadow that
these unfounded allegations have placed over the company during the past year
and the negative media coverage that has continued to state or imply our
involvement in such activities. Although we understand the need to be thorough,
we are disappointed that the RCMP has taken so long to clear Starnet of these
allegations and conclude this matter. We are also dismayed that this information
has not been made public, which is inconsistent with public comments made by
authorities in connection with the raid of our facilities in August 1999.
Despite full cooperation with the RCMP throughout their highly publicized
investigation, we have yet to receive an official communication from the RCMP
regarding this finding."
Starnet is pleased to achieve closure on this issue for Starnet, our licensees,
business partners and shareholders. The company is continuing to pursue all
opportunities to bring an end to the investigation of its online gaming
operations. Associate Chief Justice Patrick Dohm has yet to deliver his decision
on two applications filed August 14, 2000 with respect to the frozen funds.
Management will continue to update its shareholders on the status of the RCMP
investigation and remains confident in the future of the international I-gaming
market and Starnet. |
