[Spooky]

If convicted, the 18 year old could face up to five years in prison on each count.

Ridiculous.

State statutes defined a third-degree computer crime as having occurred when “the damage to or the value of the property or computer services exceeds one thousand dollars

Copying & pasting text caused 1,000$+ In damages?

or the person recklessly engages in conduct which creates a risk of serious physical injury to another person.

Perhaps they haven't realized It was done via an online gateway, which does not have a direct physical Impact on an Individual.

No one should face 5-10 years in federal prison for changing the quote underneath a student. If he hacked in a quote of a video game or movie or song like the rest of his class probably did, it wouldnt spark nearly the fire it did. This is about sending a message. And the sad part is it will probably work.

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They should consider that he had the option of doing much worse. 5 years for a bit of harmless comedy is too much.

5 years minimum for each count**