Indictment And Arrest For Computer Hacking

Post by **Tami** » Mon Oct 01, 2007 1:47 pm

McGREGOR W. SCOTT
United States Attorney
Eastern District of California

Sacramento
501 I Street, Suite 10-100
Sacramento, CA 95814

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

INDICTMENT AND ARREST FOR COMPUTER HACKING

SACRAMENTO -- United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today the arrest of GREG KING, 21, of Fairfield, California, and the unsealing of an Indictment returned on September 27, 2007, charging KING with four counts of electronic transmission of codes to cause damage to protected computers.

This case is the product of an extensive investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

According to Assistant United States Attorney Matthew D. Segal, a prosecutor with the Computer Hacking and Intellectual Property section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office who is handling the case, the Indictment alleges that KING used a “botnet” to attack computer servers. A botnet is a network of infected computers that, unbeknownst to their owners, are compromised by a hacker and programmed to respond to a hacker’s commands. The infected computers are referred to as “bots,” “zombies,” or “drones.” According to documents filed with the court, KING allegedly controlled over seven thousand such “bots” and used them to conduct multiple distributed denial of service attacks against websites of two businesses. In a distributed denial of service attack, a hacker directs a large number of infected computers (“bots”) to flood a victim computer with information and thereby disable the target computer. On the Internet, KING was also known as “Silenz, Silenz420, sZ, GregK, and Gregk707.”

When agents went to arrest KING at his residence this morning, KING went out the back door of the residence carrying a laptop computer, depositing it in the bushes in the backyard. Agents obtained a warrant to search KING’s backyard and seized the computer. KING was arrested and is expected to appear before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in Sacramento at 2:00 p.m. today.

The maximum statutory penalty for a violation of transmission of damaging code to a protected computer is ten years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. However, the actual sentence will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables, and any applicable statutory sentencing factors.

The charges are only allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven
guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Josh · Post by **Josh** » Mon Oct 01, 2007 1:57 pm

[quote name='Tami' post='40935' date='Oct 1 2007, 03:47 PM']When agents went to arrest KING at his residence this morning, KING went out the back door of the residence carrying a laptop computer, depositing it in the bushes in the backyard. Agents obtained a warrant to search KING’s backyard and seized the computer. KING was arrested and is expected to appear before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in Sacramento at 2:00 p.m. today.[/quote]

hahahaha...

Now... we dance. /dance.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='(dance2)' /> /dance2.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='(dance3)' /> /Happy_Dance03.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='(hdance)' /> /yahoo.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='(yahoo)' /> /victory.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':victory:' />

Post by **Shydragonchic** » Mon Oct 01, 2007 1:58 pm

/dance1.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='(dance)' /> /DancingCow2.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='(cow1)' /> /ani-cow.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='(cow)' />
Shy does the Victory Dance all around the office.

/whistle.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='(whistle)' /> Is ok...I was the only one here, nobody saw me, I didn't break nuthin. /blush.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='(blush)' />

us3rX · Post by **us3rX** » Mon Oct 01, 2007 3:03 pm

Wow... about damn time... I guess in the end, the govt will get around to doing the right thing =p

"The maximum penalty for the alleged crimes is 10 years in prison."

I know what Greg is thinking... "God damn Adaera /Debate.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='(debate)' /> " Oh well, maybe after his prison time and time with bubba, maybe... just maybe he will straighten out, take this as a sign not to mess with the wrong people and think you will get away with it.

Here is another new report on it: [url="http://www.thereporter.com/news/ci_7053653"]http://www.thereporter.com/news/ci_7053653[/url]

us3rX /ph34r.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':ph34r:' />

Post by **Tami** » Mon Oct 01, 2007 4:35 pm

It almost feels surreal - it's been such a long battle, and so many times it felt like an exercise in futility. Thank you all for sticking with us through the ups and downs of the attacks, the moves, the extra work, the disappointments, the long nights and for the general encouragement when the going got really rough. We're into what I hope is now the final stretch, and we can at last move forward with alot more confidence than we had prior to today. /smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' />

ice2003 · Post by **ice2003** » Tue Oct 02, 2007 7:21 pm

[quote name='Tami' post='40941' date='Oct 2 2007, 12:35 PM']It almost feels surreal - it's been such a long battle, and so many times it felt like an exercise in futility. Thank you all for sticking with us through the ups and downs of the attacks, the moves, the extra work, the disappointments, the long nights and for the general encouragement when the going got really rough. We're into what I hope is now the final stretch, and we can at last move forward with alot more confidence than we had prior to today. /smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' />[/quote]

Wow this is great to see , I have always lived by the motto of what goes around comes around so it certainly looks like Karma has caught up with him, I remember when he used to constantly attack our site. Thanks to everybody though who followed this through to the bitter end i know full well you will feel a sense of relief and satisfaction that it is coming to an end.
I wonder though what sort of sentence he will be handed down.

Antics · Post by **Antics** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 11:25 am

Ya know, I always wondered what happened to him after those attacks..lmao
Guess I know now.

Have fun with Bubba, Greg /happy.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='^_^' />

Josh · Post by **Josh** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 1:25 pm

Hey ice, good to see you're still around /smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' />

Baralai · Post by **Baralai** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 4:30 pm

hahahah and about time... i hope he is never allowed to go near a computer again
Good job for the people who have helped to put this nasty bad in his box!

Trinity · Post by **Trinity** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 11:46 pm

All those "drop the soap" jokes we made at the time are now eerily appropriate /pointlaf2.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='(laf)' />

Post by **Tami** » Thu Oct 04, 2007 12:38 am

Hey Trin - good to see you /smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' />

Well - we did try to warn Greg, and he obviously didn't listen. Let's hope that he remembers the advice you all kindly gave to him. Do you think that maybe he's kicking himself now for not taking the better, more productive path we offered him?

Post by **NightStorm** » Thu Oct 04, 2007 10:25 pm

I suppose that sometimes there are just those cases where the only way a kiddie will learn is through experience... be it good, or bad. In this case, he was warned repeatedly, but made the conscious decision to continue on with his threats and actions. The results will be his learning experience.
According to the docs, up to 10 years and $250,000 in fines.
Quite the expensive learning experience. But still, fitting.

There was a great line on tonight's "CSI: Las Vegas". To quote:[quote]Nothing says "I'm guilty" like running from the cops, dumb*ss[/quote]How true.

Trinity · Post by **Trinity** » Thu Oct 04, 2007 11:06 pm

[quote name='Tami' post='40969' date='Oct 4 2007, 05:38 PM']Hey Trin - good to see you /smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' />

Well - we did try to warn Greg, and he obviously didn't listen. Let's hope that he remembers the advice you all kindly gave to him. Do you think that maybe he's kicking himself now for not taking the better, more productive path we offered him?[/quote]

Thanks ada!

This calls for some sort of party /toga.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='(toga)' />

Now all we need to work out is how to get everyone to Australia...

*looks at shy*

Post by **Tami** » Thu Oct 04, 2007 11:37 pm

There's more of us than is of you lot in Aussieland, so I think it would be a much better idea for all of you to attend the party on this side of the globe - you need to get out more often anyway, right? I know that Verczeh would agree with me, but only because he wants to go to Tim Horton's. /bigwink.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=';)' />

for those of you falling victim to the word filter, that word has been removed from the filter, don't overdo it or I'll put it back /blum.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':P' />

ner0 · Post by **ner0** » Fri Oct 05, 2007 10:21 am

everyone just come to a compromise...

meet in the middle, like say, England? /happy.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='^_^' />

Post by **Tami** » Fri Oct 05, 2007 11:13 am

England is not in the middle - it's way >>>>>>>>>>>>> over there >>>>> in icky weather land and it's got....penguins.... /blum.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':P' />

btw small update: trial date will be set on the morning of October 16th.

ner0 · Post by **ner0** » Fri Oct 05, 2007 5:52 pm

noooo that's too long to wait.. and I'll probably be in china by then /ohmy.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':o' />

someone will have to fly over (hint buzzard) and fill me in.

Post by **Tami** » Fri Oct 05, 2007 7:46 pm

I know it is, but hey after 3+ years, a couple of weeks is practically nothing, right? I just hope the trial date isn't set toooooo far into the future. As for the buzzard, I think he's been buried under an avalanche of medical textbooks or something /blink.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':blink:' />

Post by **NightStorm** » Fri Oct 05, 2007 9:25 pm

I'm hoping it's sometime around first snowfall.
Would be a good time to head to California for a week or so, wouldn't it?

Post by **Tami** » Sat Oct 06, 2007 10:20 am

We received a congratulatory email last night, from a local guy named Ryan H.:

[quote]Hey there, I’m from Langley BC and just wanted to say congrats on nabbing Gregk707, pompous little ba***** deserves what he got.

House[/quote]

/smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' />

err0r · Post by **err0r** » Sat Oct 06, 2007 2:41 pm

nice to see authorities are finally taking action. Good work to all involved.

Post by **NightStorm** » Sat Oct 06, 2007 6:48 pm

Thanks err0r. It's nice to see you back, too. You should visit more often... you're still not completely insane, and we need to work away at it a little more. /bigwink.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=';)' />

Post by **Tami** » Sat Oct 06, 2007 7:58 pm

Hi err0r ... and thank you for your help, I greatly appreciate the assistance. /biggrin.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':D' />

mobil1_oils · Post by **mobil1_oils** » Wed Oct 10, 2007 7:59 am

About damn time. Congratulations to all of you. I still remember him flaunting the fact he wasnt in jail 'yet'. Come back to bite him somewhere unpleasant.

Nothing like a bit of satisfaction after... oh... 3 years work. Congrats guys.

Post by **Tami** » Wed Oct 10, 2007 8:12 am

Ahem....mobes....

/broomwack-shy.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='(broom)' />

.........not ........a ...........guy!!!!

but thank you /biggrin.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':D' />

Josh · Post by **Josh** » Wed Oct 10, 2007 11:13 am

wow mobes.. I can't believe you didn't remember the guy rule... sheesh /blum.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':P' /> Good to see you on here again.. You too err0r /smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' />

mobil1_oils · Post by **mobil1_oils** » Thu Oct 11, 2007 7:04 pm

Ahh thats right... sorry /blum.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':P' />.

Electrix · Post by **Electrix** » Fri Oct 12, 2007 6:05 pm

He must feel like an eCelebrity. You guys have probably seen these; but for those who haven't:

[url="http://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/10/03/castlecops_botmaster_busted/"]http://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/10/03/ca...tmaster_busted/[/url]
[url="http://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/10/04/bot_herder_profile/"]http://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/10/04/bot_herder_profile/[/url]

It's funny how something like this brings everyone back to the forums. /blum.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':P' />

Post by **Tami** » Fri Oct 12, 2007 11:45 pm

Yes, you're all coming back - but then you were all around when we were dealing with Greg on a regular basis, so at least you all know now that in the end, he didn't win. I am amazed at all of the internet press attention the saga has gotten - granted, alot of it was because he chose to make an alleged hit on CastleCops and they are far more well known than we are, but at the same time, we've been working on the "case" for much longer than them, and had to deal with alot more b.s. from Greg - we did get a decent share of localized in-print (newspaper) press where we live, so that's alright too - I didn't keep up the fight against Greg for the press attention, but it is a nice side-benefit all the same. Four more days until we find out when the trial will be.

Oh, and in your absence, you've obviously forgotten something.....and for that you, like Mobes, get a /broomwack-shy.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='(broom)' /> /blum.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':P' />

Electrix · Post by **Electrix** » Sat Oct 13, 2007 7:28 pm

Ahh the 'guys' rule, my apologies. I did read his post before mine yesterday - shows how much attention I took /blum.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':P' />

Post by **Tami** » Sat Oct 13, 2007 11:43 pm

indeed it does lol

countdown: three more days /bigwink.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=';)' />

Post by **Tami** » Tue Oct 16, 2007 4:41 pm

No trial date was set at today's court appearance.

From the US State Attorney's office:

[quote]The judge set the next status date for December 4, 2007.[/quote]

Sylo-X- · Post by **Sylo-X-** » Tue Oct 16, 2007 4:51 pm

I wish the courts would just hurry up...:\

Electrix · Post by **Electrix** » Tue Oct 16, 2007 11:31 pm

[quote name='Sylo-X-' post='41212' date='Oct 17 2007, 09:51 AM']I wish the courts would just hurry up...:\[/quote]

agreed.

ner0 · Post by **ner0** » Wed Oct 17, 2007 1:44 am

Really bugs me how long things like this take, could be (more) years before anything real gets done /dry.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='<_<' />

Post by **Jim** » Wed Oct 17, 2007 5:12 am

Atleast something is finally being done.

Post by **Tami** » Wed Oct 17, 2007 9:21 am

The wheels of justice do indeed appear to turn slowly - but at least they are turning. Is a "case status" date similar to what we call a preliminary hearing? I really need to find a web site which explains the American Federal Court Process.....

Post by **Jim** » Wed Oct 17, 2007 10:03 am

[quote name='Tami' post='41226' date='Oct 17 2007, 12:21 PM']The wheels of justice do indeed appear to turn slowly - but at least they are turning. Is a "case status" date similar to what we call a preliminary hearing? I really need to find a web site which explains the American Federal Court Process.....[/quote]

hahaha, explain the American Federal Court Process...good luck /blum.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':P' />

Post by **Tami** » Wed Oct 17, 2007 10:05 am

Okay, according to the US Attorney:

[quote]Status is just where we go before the judge and he asks if the defendant has had time to review the discovery, wants to file motions, etc.[/quote]

Josh · Post by **Josh** » Fri Oct 19, 2007 7:55 am

What exactly is filing motions? /blum.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':P' /> I never listen in school -.- sorrrryyyyy

Post by **Jim** » Fri Oct 19, 2007 8:56 am

things like a motion to dismiss xxx evidence on the grounds that it was obtained wrong, or plea bargains, last admissions of evidence also...I think o.o

Post by **NightStorm** » Fri Oct 19, 2007 10:30 am

From [url="http://library.findlaw.com/1999/Aug/1/128082.html"]http://library.findlaw.com/1999/Aug/1/128082.html[/url] (Google is so cool /bigwink.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=';)' />)

What is a Motion?

By Ando, Russell H. of Harold Chu, Attorney at Law, ALC

When involved in a lawsuit, parties and their attorneys often file motions, as in a motion to dismiss or a motion for summary judgement. What is a motion? What does it do?

Whenever a party wants the court to do something, he or she needs to make a written request to the court, which is what a motion is.

The court rarely acts on its own -- it normally rules on a motion that is presented to it. If a party wants a certain remedy or relief from the court, he of she needs to get it before the court by way of a motion.

The Hawaii Rules of Civil Procedure and the Rules of the Circuit Courts of the State of Hawaii have certain requirements for motions -- the moving of papers, a citation to a rule or statute that authorizes the motion, a memorandum in support of the motion, the attachment of all necessary affidavits and exhibits, a specific request for relief, and other requirements.

A motion can be either a non-hearing motion or a hearing motion. Certain motions are designated non-hearing, which means that the court will rule on it based on only the written memoranda and supporting affidavits and exhibits. Other motions require a hearing where, in addition to submitting written memoranda and evidence, the attorneys are required to appear before the court and argue orally in favor of or against that motion.

After oral arguments, the court then makes a ruling. The court's ruling is usually oral, and one of the attorneys will then prepare a written order that documents the court's ruling. The state courts rarely issue a written order with a detailed explanation of its ruling on a motion. The federal court, however, often issues a detailed written order when ruling on a motion for summary judgment, if the issues are complex or important enough.

There are many kinds of motions, but the most prevalent one is a motion for summary judgment. In this motion, a party is asking the court to make a final ruling on the merits of a particular cause of action so that that cause of action need not go to trial for determination. For a motion for summary judgment to be granted, there can be no genuine issue of material fact. If there is even one such issue, the court must deny the motion and send the issue to trial.

An example: In an auto accident case, whether the light was red or green is usually a genuine issue of material fact. If one witness says it was red and another says it was green, a motion for summary judgment must be denied because a jury, not the court, needs to decide, based on the evidence presented, whether the light was red or green.

However, if the material facts are undisputed, but the law is in dispute, the court can rule on a motion for summary judgment because courts are empowered to interpret questions of pure law.

A court cannot determine questions of fact -- only a jury can -- but it must rule on questions of law.

Therefore, if a case involves only legal issues, and the facts are undisputed, the court can rule on a motion for summary judgment, and a trial becomes unnecessary. If a motion for summary judgment is granted, that particular cause of action is resolved, and no trial on that issue needs to be held.

An entire case can be decided on a motion for summary judgment is the motion encompasses all of the issues presented in that case.

Motions are helpful in obtaining information or in trimming cases down to their basic parts. They can be quite simple, like a request to extend a deadline, or quite technical, on an arcane point of law. In either case, they are useful tools in the litigation process.

Josh · Post by **Josh** » Fri Oct 19, 2007 5:47 pm

Well at the time of asking I didn't have time to look it up on Google /blum.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':P' /> I was in a programming class lol... Thanks /biggrin.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':D' />

Sylo-X- · Post by **Sylo-X-** » Sun Oct 21, 2007 6:55 pm

If im not mistaken. He will have a court status hearing, then after that they will have another session to determine when the trial will begin. then, if found guilty, there will be another hearing later on to determine the sentence. he can be out on bail until his first actual trial date, then if he is found guilty he will be detained until the sentencing. then he can file a motion for time served which will make his sentence shorter. I could be wrong though