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.