Posted on 09/02/2003 11:16:12 PM PDT by witnesstothefall
MINNEAPOLIS, Sep 02, 2003 (AP WorldStream via COMTEX) -- A high school senior charged with modifying a version of the Internet worm that crippled computer networks worldwide said the federal government has exaggerated its case against him, and disputed media coverage that portrayed him as a computer-savvy loner.
"I have a very supportive, close group of friends. I'm not reckless, I don't do drugs, smoke or drink. This is the first time I have ever had a run-in with the law. It's hurtful to see the accounts of me. I'm not depressed, embarrassed about my weight, or a misfit," Jeffrey Parson said in a transcript posted on Web site for U.S. cable channel MSNBC.
Though his parents appeared Tuesday on NBC television's "Today" show, Parson agreed only to an off-camera interview with a producer. He expressed concern the government was going to make an example of him.
"I understand that the government needs to catch someone for these crimes. I'm not the one they need to get," he said.
Parson, 18, faces one count of intentionally causing damage to a protected computer. Conviction could bring a maximum 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Authorities say 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.
His parents, Bob and Rita Parson, spoke publicly for the first time Tuesday on the "Today" show, and said their son was an ordinary teenager, not a computer whiz.
"My son is not brilliant; he's not genius," Rita Parson said. "Anyone that has any computer knowledge could have done what Jeff did."
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 goes to court Sept. 17 in Seattle.
A telephone message from The Associated Press seeking additional comment was not returned by the Parsons.
It's tempting to pity the parents, but their cluelessness about the gravity of their son's hacker persona and crimes speaks for itself.
Seems like I have heard this somewhere before.... YEP! Some big time industry that gouges folks for music CD singles cleverly disguised as multi-track "albums" wants to "bring down" and "destroy" music enthusiasts computers using the very same method, inserting a hidden program in a transferable file that will cause intentional harm to a end users computer.
The DoJ seemed to think THAT was OK, as they did not say a word about the fatcat music industry management publicly stating they would intentionally rewrite files being exchanged on internet to include destructive programing code.
I suppoise the kid was just following the roll model of the music industry getting a "look the other way" pass from the federal government.
TLI
Well, it's easy to see where the boy got his stupid genes..
If you can't do the time, don't do the crime...
I'd like to see the smart assed clown go behind bars for at least a couple of years...
Object lesson for the other smart asses out there.
Semper Fi
Yeah, you're a fat 300 lbs weeble-like virgin.
Who just happened to cause uncountable millions of dollars of damage world-wide with an intentional cyber-terrorist attack.
At age 18, you get to play with the big boys. I wager you won't be a virgin for long.
Why do you promote homosexual rape ?
And anyone can steal a car, rob a bank, swindle money, etc etc etc.
But not everyone does, and those that do need to be caught and punished.
Becki
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