Internet Harassment

Man Sentenced for Internet Harassment

South Carolina Man Sentenced In First Federal Prosecution Of Internet Harassment

From Federal Bureau of Investigations

James Robert Murphy, 38, of Columbia, South Carolina, was sentenced to 5 years of probation, 500 hours of community service, and more than $12,000 in restitution today for two counts of Use of a Telecommunications Device (the internet) with Intent to Annoy, Abuse, Threaten or Harass.

Murphy was indicted in April 2004, for sending harassing emails to Seattle resident Joelle Ligon and to other employees of the City of Seattle. He pleaded guilty to two counts in June 2004. In sentencing Murphy, U.S. District Court Judge Thomas Zilly told Murphy he “…did not demonstrate the type of remorse he should under the circumstances.”

Task Force Targets Cyber Crime

This case was investigated by the Northwest Cyber Crime Task Force, composed of the FBI, United States Secret Service, Internal Revenue Service, Seattle Police Department, and Washington State Patrol. The NWCCTF investigates Cyber-related violations including criminal computer intrusions, intellectual property theft, child pornography and internet fraud.

The Task Force brings federal, state and local law enforcement agencies together to share intelligence and conduct joint investigations.

This case is believed to be the first federal prosecution of cyber harassment in the United States. Assistant United States Attorney Kathryn A. Warma is prosecuting the case.

Poster’s Note: The advantage of WordPress is it provides the blog owner the ability to collect IP and Email addresses to hand over to the authorities for prosicution.

Safe surfing everyone and do not hesitate to contact your Local, State, and Federal authorities if you feel you are a victim of harassment through the internet.