FBI agents confiscated several computers from Bill Raper's home south of Wilson. Authorities believe the computers may have been used to illegally program satellite dish cards, which would allow users to see channels they did not pay for.
John Coleman, manager of Rex TV and Appliance store in Wilson, said altering the cards is just like stealing cable.
"[With] cable, you require the box. The whole box must be altered. With a satellite, all you have to have is a card," Coleman said.
Illegal cards can typically sell for $300 or more.
Residents in the area were surprised to see the FBI agents taking equipment from the house.
"Bill is a nice person, and I was real surprised that this was going on. I didn't expect anything like this to happen," neighbor Faye Joyner said.
Raper was not taken into custody. He has not been charged with any wrongdoing.
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