Record Companies Win Music Download Lawsuit

Duluth, Minn. (AHN) - A Minnesota mother of two must pay $222,000 to several record publishers after a jury Thursday here found her guilty of illegally sharing 24 songs.

Jamie Thomas was ordered to pay $9,250 for each of the 24 songs that became the focus of the three-day trial, the first music downloading lawsuit that progressed to trial.

Thomas left the courtroom in tears, the defendant's attorney told the AP. The recording companies' attorney said they hoped the ruling sent a message that illegal music downloads are wrong.

The AP said the recording companies have not decided how or even if they will make Thomas pay damages. According to Thomas' attorney, the single mom lives paycheck-to-paycheck.