April 10, 2005

nine-year prison term for the convicted spammer

A jury recommended a nine-year prison term for the convicted spammer, Jeremy Jaynes, who Prosecutors believe was responsible for sending out 10 million e-mails a day, grossing over $750,000 per month.

Loudoun County Judge, Thomas Horne stayed the sentence during Jeremy Jaynes' appeal citing the law targeting bulk e-mail distribution as new and constitutional questions it raises.

Jeremy Jaynes, 30, of the Raleigh area of North Carolina, was convicted in November of violating Virginia's anti-Spam law by illegally flooding America Online accounts with bulk e-mail advertisements. Jaynes told the judge that regardless of how the appeal turns out, `I can guarantee the court I will not be involved in the e-mail spamming business again.`

The jury also convicted Mr. Jaynes's sister, Jessica DeGroot of Raleigh, but recommended only a $7,500 fine. Her conviction was later dismissed by the judge. A third defendant, Richard Rutkowski of Cary, N.C., was acquitted of all charges.

Prosecutor Lisa Hicks-Thomas said she was pleased with the ruling and confident that the law would be upheld on appeal.

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