Judge Questions Anti-Spam Law

A judge has chosen to not accept the plea of "guilty" from a former AOL worker who apparently sold the ISP's list of users to an unsolicited e-mailer. The judge indicated he was unclear if any law regarding spam emails had actually been broken.

Apparently the spam sent may or may not have been in compliance with legal requirements. Specifically at question was whether or not the sent spam mail was actually "deceptive" in nature. He has asked prosecutors for additional information on the matter.

"I need to be independently satisfied that a crime has been committed," the judge indicated.

The accused could get up to fifteen years behind bars if convicted. The specific charge is "conspiracy and interstate trafficking of stolen property." If he's found guilty of breaking spam prevention laws he'll likely get a shorter sentence under 2 years.

The judge is a former AOL user - but left after being disappointed in the performance of their spam filters.

Resource: Judge Questions Anti-Spam Law