Russell Sprague was arrested at his home in Chicago

Russell Sprague, 51, is set to be tried on charges of conspiracy and copyright infringement on 30 March.

He was arrested in Chicago over copies of 40 films including The Last Samurai.

Mr Sprague has denied sharing the films on the web, but expelled Academy voter Carmine Caridi has admitted giving the tapes to the defendant.

Actor Mr Caridi said he handed over the tapes - dubbed screeners - to someone he considered to be just a film buff.

The Academy and the Motion Picture Association of America had already warned that it was cracking down on tapes that ended up on the internet, as part of its drive against piracy.

Following his arrest, Mr Sprague was also charged with making equipment designed to download and decode satellite-to-home television signals without paying for them.

Three other men also face conspiracy charges over the tapes - the FBI said it is "vigorously" pursuing piracy crimes.