Newark Fireman's Comic Book Store Had 11,000 Pirated DVDs: Prosecutor

Newark, NJ – A local fire department captain has been indicted for allegedly making and selling pirated DVDs out of his Newark comic book store, authorities announced on Tuesday.

According to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, Jose Robles, 50, of Newark, a captain with the city fire department, has been charged with second degree trademark counterfeiting, second degree misconduct by a corporate official and third degree pirating offenses.

It's alleged that Robles – the owner of The Fortress of Solitude Comic Book Store on University Avenue in Newark – was in possession of over 11,000 counterfeit/pirated DVDs worth more than $100,000.

In addition, detectives seized several pieces of computer and digital equipment believed to have been used to make counterfeit DVDs, prosecutors stated.

Robles’ next court appearance is scheduled for April 15.

It’s a stunning accusation against the proprietor of the local comic shop, which has been in business since 1982.

Many Newark residents rallied to Robles’ support in 2011, when a flood destroyed over 100,000 volumes of back inventory.

"It's their place… It's a hang out… It's the 'Cheers' of the comic book world," said Robles about his store in a 2011 interview with Patch.

• See related article: Newark Firefighter Shuns Life of Crime through Comics

Robles said that he first grew up reading comic books in Spanish in his native Puerto Rico. Robles and his family eventually settled on Newark's Mount Prospect Avenue near 77 Steps, an old path that served as a shortcut to Summer Avenue.

The North Ward neighborhood was a tough place, he said. Many friends got into drugs and other criminal activity.

Robles said he kept his nose clean by reading comic books like Legion of Super-Heroes and other DC titles — a form of escapism he called it.

He credited comic books with instilling him with ethics, morals, better reading skills and an enhanced vocabulary.

Robles bought the store 12 years ago after working at the shop previously for 10 years.

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