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Press Release

Ann Arbor Man Pleads Guilty to Computer Intrusion Case

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Michigan

An Ann Arbor man pleaded guilty today to devising and executing a plan to access and cause damage to the Washtenaw County government computer system, announced Acting United States Attorney Daniel L. Lemisch. 

Joining Lemisch in the announcement was David P. Gelios, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation and Sheriff Jerry Clayton, Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office.

Konrads Voits, 27, pleaded guilty to damaging a protected computer before United States District Judge Robert H. Cleland.  Voits is scheduled to be sentenced on April 5, 2018 at 1:30 pm in Port Huron.  Voits remains in custody.

According to court records, Voits executed a classic “phishing” scheme – where Voits used both email and phone calls to Washtenaw County employees – to ultimately gain access to and control of the Washtenaw County computer network. Upon gaining access, Voits took the names, addresses, emails, and passwords of many former and present Washtenaw County employees. In addition, Voits accessed the Washtenaw County Jail records, altering the electronic records of at least one inmate in an effort to get that inmate released early. Thanks to a careful review by employees at Washtenaw County Jail, no inmates were released early.  Washtenaw County spent thousands of dollars and numerous extra work hours responding to and investigating the breach, resulting in a loss of at least $235,488.  

For damaging a protected computer, Voits is facing a maximum penalty under federal law of 10 years’ imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.

“Cyber intrusions affect individuals, businesses and governments.  Computer hackers should realize that unlawfully entering another’s computer will result in a felony conviction and a prison sentence,” Lemisch said.  “We applaud the dedication of so many hard-working law enforcement officers to take away this man’s ability to intrude into the computer systems of others.” 

"The rigorous and technical investigative work undertaken in this case made today’s guilty plea possible and demonstrates the value of strong partnerships among Michigan law enforcement agencies in combatting and deterring cybercriminals", said David P. Gelios, Special Agent in Charge, Detroit Division of the FBI.

Sheriff Clayton stated, "Washtenaw County appreciates the collaborative efforts of our state and federal partners. This case serves as a warning and reminder to be vigilant and committed to achieving and maintaining the highest levels of CyberSecurity."

This investigation, which began in early 2017, was lead by the FBI’s Cyber Task Force in partnership with the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office and the Michigan State Police.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick E. Corbett and Craig A. Weier.

Updated December 1, 2017

Topic
Cybercrime