Parents Back Son in Internet Attack Case

ABCNews.com ^ | Sept 2, 2003 | Associated Press, author not specified

[Joe Bonforte]

The parents of a Hopkins High School senior charged with modifying a version of the Internet worm that crippled computer networks worldwide said their son is a "good kid" who's never been in trouble with the law.

Bob and Rita Parson spoke publicly for the first time Tuesday morning on NBC's "Today" show. They said they were still shocked about the federal charge, and had no idea their 18-year-old son, Jeffrey Parson, had anything to do with the attack. He is the first person charged in connection with the computer attacks.

Parson faces one count of intentionally causing damage to a protected computer. A conviction could bring a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

He admitted during an interview with FBI and Secret Service agents that he modified the original "Blaster" infection that made computers attack the Microsoft Web site last month. Prosecutors said Parson's worm affected at least 7,000 computers.

The Parsons said their son was not a computer whiz, and spoke of him as an ordinary youth.

"My son is not brilliant; he's not genius," Rita Parson said. "Anyone that has any computer knowledge could have done what Jeff did. It doesn't take a level of genius to do this."

The Parsons said they do not yet have a lawyer because they cannot afford one. They said a local attorney has been appointed for their son, but will not represent him when he's tried Sept. 17 in Seattle.

Bob Parson said Jeffrey is slowly becoming aware of the severity of the charges he faces. "I still don't think it's totally hitting him," he said. "I'm sure, slowly, it is."

If convicted, Parson would join a small clique of identified hackers who created viruses or worms that caused worldwide Internet problems.

David Smith, the New Jersey programmer who created the "Melissa" virus in 1999, was sentenced to 20 months in prison. His virus caused about $80 million in damage.

Onel DeGuzman, the Philippines resident suspected of being the author of the "I Love You" virus in 2000, was never prosecuted because there was no anti-hacking law in his country.

Rita Parson said she fears Jeffrey's age and clean background won't help him in court. She doesn't think that's fair.

"I think John Ashcroft has come out and said, 'This child is going to be made an example of,'" she said. "And, at this point, I think there are a lot stronger variants out there. There's the originator of the worm, and they haven't found them."

Copyright 2003 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

[Joe Bonforte]

At one time, I wondered why every teen who does something malicious and criminal has a bleating parent whining to the newspapers that "He's really a good boy! He's being treated unfairly! It's somebody else's fault!"

Then I realized that it's no accident. Parents who raise their children to understand that actions have consequences are not going to be in these articles because their kids are very unlikely to do malicious, criminal things. It's the kids raised by parents who never force kids to suffer consequences, and don't think the kids should ever pay a price for anything they do, that do this nasty stuff.

[SJSAMPLE]

I missed my 38th Birthday Party (thrown by my daughters, 1 and 3 years old) and my 3 year old daughters "Pee Wee" Soccer game because of this little prick. I'd like to Bitch-Slap both his parents before I turn my attention to their precocious little tyke.

[TomServo]

Associated Press, author not specified

If I wrote this title, I wouldn't want my name associated with it either.

a "good kid" who's never been in trouble with the law.

Funny thing about that. I never had any trouble with the law until I got caught both times.

[Physicist]

"Anyone that has any computer knowledge could have done what Jeff did. It doesn't take a level of genius to do this."

No, it takes a malicious little s**t. I hope he's really pretty.

[Zipporah]

"Rita Parson said she fears Jeffrey's age and clean background won't help him in court. She doesn't think that's fair.

Boo hoo.. it's not FAIR.. geesh how FAIR does she think it is to the one's who fell victim to his antics? Not to mention the cost involved.

[Poohbah]

I am going to tell my daughter that if her actions bring the police to our door...the trouble starts AFTER the cops leave.

[cmsgop]

You Missed your Own Party ???? Were you hauled into work to fix this?

[Ex-Dem]

Given the fact that guy is a 250-lb, spikey-haired, anti-social outcast with only one friend, you have to wonder what the parents are really like. Case of major parenting failure here.

[Vigilantcitizen]

"Funny thing about that. I never had any trouble with the law until I got caught both times."

And when I got caught, I begged the cops to lock me up, instead of taking me home to face the wrath of my parents.

[BossLady]

I smell shades of 'Le Femme Nikita' here.....:o

[Ann Archy]

Notice how this stupid, lefty parent is shifting the focus of being bad onto John Ashcroft!!! Typical.

[evad]

a "good kid" who's never been in trouble with the law..

TRANSLATION: Never Been Caught...........till now.

[CIB-173RDABN]

'This child is going to be made an example of,...

---

As we speak, we have other "children" fighting and dying in Iraq.

I don't think 18 is a child.

[MindBender26]

Little Jeff is going to have lots of "frens" in jail. Good, close, deep "frens!"

[eggman]

He wasn't a computer whiz but he obviously knew what he was doing and the damage it would cause. Modifying a worm that is already doing damage and then releasing it isn't just playing around. Like an arsonist who builds a better fire bomb and then goes around the neighborhood burining down buildings he needs more than a slap on the wrist for being a bad boy.

[NFOShekky]

"As we speak, we have other "children" fighting and dying in Iraq.


I don't think 18 is a child."

Well said!!!

[Welsh Rabbit]

"My son is not brilliant; he's not genius," Rita Parson said.

No arguements here.

[Republicus2001]

naw, they stand behind him cuz ultimately old Dad gets to pay the fine...

[EggsAckley]

The virus hit just when I bought a brand new Sony Vaio Desktop PC. The first time we logged on to the net, we were hit. Took the better part of a day to clean it out. Brand new, outa the box computer.

What's this about 7000 computers being hit by it? That seems like an awfully small number.

[mikeb704]

The Parsons said their son was not a computer whiz. . .
He just happened to have seven computers in his house.

He certainly looks like a good kid, especially with that bleached hair thing he's got going.

Michael M. Bates: My Side of the Swamp