David Smith, 34, of New Jersey admitted writing Melissa, which
crippled numerous e-mail systems when it was released in March
1999. The virus appeared in victims’ inboxes, disguised as an
important message from a colleague or friend. The virus was
designed to send an infected e-mail to the first 50 e-mail
addresses on the users' mailing lists. Such e-mails would only be
sent if the computers used Microsoft Outlook.
Smith accepted that the cost of the resulting damage totalled
more than $80 million. He was also ordered to serve three years of
supervised release after completion of his prison sentence and was
fined $5,000. Further, US District Judge Joseph Greenaway ordered
that, upon release, Smith must “not be involved with computer
networks, the internet or internet bulletin boards unless
authorised by the Court.”
Finally, Judge Greenaway said Smith must serve 100 hours of
community service upon release.
According to Newsbytes, Roger Ver, 22, of San Jose, admitted to
dealing in explosives without a license, illegally storing
explosives and mailing dangerous explosive material in violation of
postal regulations. His eBay auction offered for sale a miniature
blasting device and accompanying explosives designed for use by
farmers to kill crop-eating birds and rodents. He was sentenced to
10 months in prison, a fine of $2,000 and three years of
probation.
