Melissa' Virus Suspect Arrested
New Jersey Man Allegedly Originated Virus
By Nancy Parello
The Associated Press
TRENTON, N.J., April 2 A man has been arrested and charged with originating the e-mail virus known as Melissa, the state attorney general's office announced today. Michael Vatis, the FBI's Director of the National Infrastructure Center, meets reporters in Washington to discuss the "Melissa" computer virus.
David L. Smith, 30, of Aberdeen was arrested Thursday night at his brother's house in nearby Eatontown, said Rita Malley, a spokeswoman for Attorney General Peter Verniero.
Smith originated the virus, which caused worldwide e-mail disruption earlier this week, from his apartment in Aberdeen, Malley said.
He is charged with interfering with public communication, which carries a sentence of five to 10 years in prison and up to a $150,000 fine, Verniero said. Smith was released on $100,000 bail.
... Smith was snared with the help of America Online technicians, and a computer task force composed of federal and state agents, Malley said.
... Smith, whom Malley described as a "computer guy", was being held at the Monmouth County Jail. Malley could not immediately say where Smith works, but said the virus didn't originate there but in his apartment.
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