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Should I be concerned about possible attempted extortion charges? (self.legaladvice)

Milton2718 が 投稿

Hello. I reside in the U.S. I attempted to infect the computer of the secretary of some administrator at my university's health services center, which got me expelled from university. I stole her USB, placed ransomware on the USB, and retuned it to her. I never made any explicit threats verbally or in message. I had planned to simply encrypt her files. She also never ran the software. I don't think the university is going to do anything more right now, but I don't know for sure. Does it matter if I wrote the software or if I bought the software online? If they do report me, what might happen and what should I do now to minimize any resulting legal issues? Thanks.

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[–]DragonPup 6 ポイント7 ポイント  (22子コメント)

/u/Milton2718 why did you delete your last post about this?

what might happen

They call you police and you're staring down some very serious felony charges.

and what should I do know to minimize any resulting legal issues?

Stop being a dipshit and breaking the law.

[–]Milton2718[S] 0 ポイント1 ポイント  (21子コメント)

The location bot flagged it, and I couldn't edit.

Would they actually report me for this though? Nothing terribly bad happened as a result except that I got expelled.

[–]DragonPup 3 ポイント4 ポイント  (20子コメント)

No one can answer that except the school. But you openly admit to committing several extremely serious felonies and got caught red handed. So..... yeah.

[–]Milton2718[S] 0 ポイント1 ポイント  (19子コメント)

Is this serious as in fined or serious as in possible jail time? I read some of the laws on extortion, and they split it into classes. I think it's more serious if I blackmailed them to do something illegal, but I wasn't trying to get them to do anything illegal or to pay me. I just wanted to edit a record.

[–]Whipet 3 ポイント4 ポイント  (10子コメント)

I just wanted to edit a record.

Huh, I wonder why.

This happened a few weeks ago, but I've been busy dealing with it. So a few months ago, I made a post under some other throwaway (it has since been deleted) about being wrongfully diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) while trying to obtain Adderall. So anyway, I risked losing a scholarship that was paying the majority of my college tuition because of this diagnosis, so I kept harassing the doctor who made the original diagnosis to correct it, and he eventually told me to "fuck off" in other words. Then, I went to the person that was above him in whatever hierarchy that exists and attempted to bribe her to get him to reverse the diagnosis, and she threatened to report me to the university administration if I make a numeric offer.

Since I had no other option, I attempted to infect her secretary's computer with ransomware. I wasn't trying to get money, I just wanted leverage. I was going to just encrypt all the files the secretary had access to, then when they freak out, decrypt them. Or at worst, I'd attempt to change/correct/reverse the diagnosis myself. My plan was to just steal her USB off her desk, place the virus on it, and return it saying that I found it. So I stole it, placed the malware, and I don't know exactly what happened here, but she must have saw me stole it, and when I returned it, she never opened it in her computer since the software never got online. And next thing I know, I was asked to meet with my adviser and when I went to met with him, the dean was there, and the meeting became an interrogation. Obviously, I lost my scholarship, then got formally expelled.

Anyway, I'm not really sure what to do right now. I tried to argue that the incorrect diagnosis was what motivated me to attempt to infect the computer, but they didn't believe me that I was incorrectly diagnosed. I really am not antisocial by the way; I don't even mildly look like the typical person with ASPD, and I don't act like it either. If I get formal proof that I don't have ASPD, I think that my university will reconsider, so I'm going to try to do that.

... oh.

Has the bribery thing come up again?

Also, does your scholarship really have a "no psychopaths" clause? Haven't heard of that one before.

For the record, next time you're thinking "I have option other than breaking into this office to delete my diagnosis," maybe consider, you know, going to see a different doctor for a second opinion. Kinda sounds like the first one got it right though.

[–]Ramady 1 ポイント2 ポイント  (0子コメント)

Thanks. I was on mobile so I couldn't copy/paste.

[–]Milton2718[S] 0 ポイント1 ポイント  (8子コメント)

Yeah, it does. It's not just money, it's like a contract for employment after I graduate. Mental disorders void the original terms or whatever.

[–]Whipet 0 ポイント1 ポイント  (3子コメント)

All mental disorders? Is it a military thing?

[–]Milton2718[S] 0 ポイント1 ポイント  (2子コメント)

Yes. ADHD and depression would also make it void. And it's DoD. It's a public scholarship, you might find it if you search google well.

[–]Whipet 0 ポイント1 ポイント  (1子コメント)

But you were trying to get Adderall?

[–]Milton2718[S] 0 ポイント1 ポイント  (0子コメント)

Yes.

[–]Poilkjhgf 0 ポイント1 ポイント  (3子コメント)

|...while trying to obtain Adderall.

Sounds like your main problem.

Are you an addict? I was. Ask for help if you need it.

[–]Milton2718[S] 0 ポイント1 ポイント  (2子コメント)

No, I use recreationally. And I don't use Adderall.

[–]Poilkjhgf 0 ポイント1 ポイント  (1子コメント)

Why try to obtain it then?

[–]Milton2718[S] 0 ポイント1 ポイント  (0子コメント)

I think you know why.

[–]DragonPup 2 ポイント3 ポイント  (1子コメント)

serious as in possible jail time?

Like over 5+ years easily if convicted of everything you've admitted to. How old are you?

[–]Milton2718[S] -1 ポイント0 ポイント  (0子コメント)

19, I turn 20 in August.

[–]mbruns2 1 ポイント2 ポイント  (5子コメント)

So, you're saying you attempted to destroy their property in order to falsify a record?

[–]Milton2718[S] 0 ポイント1 ポイント  (4子コメント)

No, ransomware just encrypts the files and makes demands. It's not destruction. They just can't access the files until they fulfill the demands. In hindsight, they probably had backups anyway.

[–]DragonPup 1 ポイント2 ポイント  (3子コメント)

ransomware just encrypts the files and makes demands

That's extortion.

It's not destruction

It deletes unencrypted copies.

they probably had backups anyway

Doesn't matter.

[–]Milton2718[S] 0 ポイント1 ポイント  (2子コメント)

Encryption is more like taking someone's watch and placing it in a safe. I didn't destroy the watch, I just made it inaccessible. Would this still be considered destruction?

And also, none of this actually happened since she never ran the software.

[–]Ramady 0 ポイント1 ポイント  (0子コメント)

That's extortion too.

[–]mbruns2 0 ポイント1 ポイント  (0子コメント)

Encryption is more like taking someone's watch and placing it in a safe. I didn't destroy the watch, I just made it inaccessible. Would this still be considered destruction?

Yes

And also, none of this actually happened since she never ran the software.

Doesn't matter.

[–]Citicop 4 ポイント5 ポイント  (10子コメント)

Possible charges against you could include:

  • Attempted extortion

  • Attempted Unlawful Access of a Computer

  • Attempted Tampering with a Computer

  • Use of Interstate/Foreign Communication to threaten data or computer network

  • The theft of the USB device itself

If you are further contacted, you almost certainly need a lawyer.

[–]Milton2718[S] 0 ポイント1 ポイント  (7子コメント)

Why the Interstate/Foreign Communication?

And suppose the school contacts me but not the police? Should I get a lawyer then?

[–]jkh1232 1 ポイント2 ポイント  (3子コメント)

If you used the internet at any point in this process, the data probably had to cross state lines as it got moved around. That puts it in Federal jurisdiction, as I understand it (Though I could be wrong.)

[–]Milton2718[S] 0 ポイント1 ポイント  (2子コメント)

So if I created the software, then it's fine? Is it any worse if it's in Federal jurisdiction. I mean, I know it sounds worse, but will I actually be worse off?

[–]jkh1232 1 ポイント2 ポイント  (0子コメント)

You'd be worse off in Federal courts, if only because the Feds have the budget and expertise to really prosecute this sort of crime. Either way, it sounds like you've committed, like, a lot of felonies.

[–]Ramady 0 ポイント1 ポイント  (0子コメント)

No. You'd still be looking at several years and a bunch of felonies.

[–]sangreal06 0 ポイント1 ポイント  (0子コメント)

Yes, don't discuss your crimes with anyone unless advised to by your lawyer.

[–]Citicop 0 ポイント1 ポイント  (1子コメント)

You almost certainly downloaded the ransomware from the internet- that would do it.

Even if not, the odds are high that the USB iteslf was manufactured in a foreign country- that could do it as well.

[–]Milton2718[S] 0 ポイント1 ポイント  (0子コメント)

Are you actually serious?

[–]Bleary-Eyed 0 ポイント1 ポイント  (1子コメント)

Just out of curiosity would the charges be different if the school was a state university as opposed to private?

[–]Citicop 1 ポイント2 ポイント  (0子コメント)

It will depend on the state. Those charges were just examples of possible charges.

[–]thepatman 1 ポイント2 ポイント  (18子コメント)

Why did you delete and re-post this?

Does it matter if I wrote the software or if I bought the software online?

No.

If they do report me, what might happen

You could be charged with any one of a number of crimes.

and what should I do now to minimize any resulting legal issues?

If charged, get a lawyer.

Stop breaking the law.

[–]Milton2718[S] -1 ポイント0 ポイント  (17子コメント)

Sorry. The location bot flagged it, and I couldn't edit.

Would I actually face consequences for anything? I don't think they have that much proof except for the USB, which does not really identify anything.

[–]thepatman 0 ポイント1 ポイント  (9子コメント)

If they have no evidence, how did they know to expel you?

[–]Milton2718[S] 1 ポイント2 ポイント  (8子コメント)

They had the USB, and they had me handing the USB to the secretary. I don't think they had video of me stealing the USB though. At least if they did, they didn't tell me about it. I think someone saw me stealing it. Also, I implicitly bribed the woman the secretary was working for before I stole the USB, but she warned me against making a numeric offer.

[–]thrombolytic 0 ポイント1 ポイント  (1子コメント)

Also, I implicitly bribed the woman the secretary was working for before I stole the USB, but she warned me against making a numeric offer.

Jesus. I'm so tempted to ask why, but you clearly have loose lips on the topic and I don't think it would be smart for you to keep telling your story. And frankly, you sound pretty boastful about the whole ordeal.

[–]Milton2718[S] 0 ポイント1 ポイント  (0子コメント)

I detailed why in another thread. It's a little complicated.

And yeah, I'm going to probably delete this thread and this account later. I don't think reddit would give my info away anyway.

[–]thepatman 0 ポイント1 ポイント  (5子コメント)

Wait wait wait. Let me get this straight.

You wanted a record in the health services office altered - presumably your own. So you first tried to bribe someone in the office, and got turned down. They you hand-carried ransomware into the office on a stolen USB and personally gave it to a secretary. Said ransomware would, of course, have editing of that same identifying record as a condition of decryption.

And you think they're short on evidence?

[–]Milton2718[S] 0 ポイント1 ポイント  (2子コメント)

The password to decrypt is mine, but that's the only thing. They can't reverse the software and connect me specifically to it.

I didn't bribe her since I didn't offer an actual value since she warned me against it.

[–]thepatman 0 ポイント1 ポイント  (1子コメント)

They can't reverse the software and connect me specifically to it.

What condition did the ransomware display for decryption?

[–]Milton2718[S] 0 ポイント1 ポイント  (0子コメント)

When it goes online, it should have been able to communicate with my computer in a sort of IM style. I would have made demands through that.

[–]______BOX 0 ポイント1 ポイント  (0子コメント)

You wanted a record in the health services office altered - presumably your own.

Relevant detail: they diagnosed him as having ASPD and he didn't like that because he's totally not a psychopath.

What I did was justified since I was just doing what I had to. I could have done so much worse to everyone involved, but I didn't.

don't murder me OP

[–]Ramady 0 ポイント1 ポイント  (6子コメント)

Would I actually face consequences for anything?

You seem to be coasting through life under the impression that actions don't have consequences. You've done nothing but compound your problems over and over throughout this whole ordeal. You will almost certainly face consequences.

I don't think they have that much proof except for the USB

It sounds like they have plenty of evidence, what with the USB and you trying to bribe people and all.

[–]Milton2718[S] 0 ポイント1 ポイント  (5子コメント)

I'm aware that actions do have consequences. I'm just seeing if these consequences apply to me.

The USB stealing is probably just whoever' sword against mine. I can say that I found it. That's actually what I told them - not that they believed me.

[–]Ramady 1 ポイント2 ポイント  (4子コメント)

Yes they do. You've committed several crimes. You're not as smart as you think you are. If they decide to report this, you'll face more consequences than just being expelled.

[–]Milton2718[S] 0 ポイント1 ポイント  (3子コメント)

Is there anyway I can avoid this? Should I write a letter of apology or something, or would it be better to just ignore it.

[–]Ramady 0 ポイント1 ポイント  (2子コメント)

Yes. Writing out a confession and sending it to the victim is the best possible thing you could do in this situation.

You should, if charged or approached by anybody about this, immediately hire an attorney.

[–]Milton2718[S] 0 ポイント1 ポイント  (1子コメント)

I think I should consult a lawyer first and then write because they could report me, and then they would have my letter as written confession.

[–]Ramady 0 ポイント1 ポイント  (0子コメント)

I'm sorry, I thought my sarcasm was obvious. It's hard to read tone over the internet. I'll state it directly:

You should under no circumstances talk to, write letters to, or otherwise communicate with anybody other than your attorney about any of this. For right now, I'd call around and get some consultations from local attorneys. That way you know who to call if and when the police come knocking.

Listen buddy: you've committed some incredibly serious crimes here. You've shown a consistent and blatant disregard towards the laws and those in positions of authority over you. If you keep this up, you're going to find yourself in very, very hot water. If you'd done something like this to a boss rather than the school, you'd already be in jail.

If there are no further consequences for you in this, you got incredibly lucky. It won't happen that way again. Do you understand?

[–]Ramady 1 ポイント2 ポイント  (3子コメント)

Hey y'all: check the history for more context. The story gets better.

[–]Milton2718[S] 0 ポイント1 ポイント  (2子コメント)

I'm glad I amuse you.

[–]Ramady 0 ポイント1 ポイント  (1子コメント)

Amuse isn't the right word. There's relevant information in your other posts. Context can be important.

[–]Milton2718[S] 0 ポイント1 ポイント  (0子コメント)

Not really. The other post is just the soap opera prequel.

[–]LocationBot 0 ポイント1 ポイント  (0子コメント)

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Original Post:

Should I be concerned about possible attempted extortion charges?

Hello. I reside in the U.S. I attempted to infect the computer of the secretary of some administrator at my university's health services center, which got me expelled from university. I stole her USB, placed ransomware on the USB, and retuned it to her. I never made any explicit threats verbally or in message. I had planned to simply encrypt her files. She also never ran the software. I don't think the university is going to do anything more right now, but I don't know for sure. Does it matter if I wrote the software or if I bought the software online? If they do report me, what might happen and what should I do now to minimize any resulting legal issues? Thanks.

[–]sangreal06 0 ポイント1 ポイント  (3子コメント)

IANAL

If the police contact you, say nothing and hire a lawyer. Nothing else to do other than stop breaking the law and move on. Nobody here can predict the likelihood that they will report this to the police any more than you can. You're likely guilty of several serious crimes.

[–]Milton2718[S] 0 ポイント1 ポイント  (2子コメント)

Would there be any reason as to why they did not report me sooner? Is this typical? This happened a few weeks ago.

[–]sangreal06 0 ポイント1 ポイント  (1子コメント)

Some schools like to keep things internal. It's also possible that they did report it and the police either are still investigating, or the prosecutor decided not to pursue it. Statute of Limitations are usually measured in years, not weeks. Finally, it is possible that you've already been charged and are unaware of it. You can check the relevant databases to see if any charges have been filed.

My advice would again to be move on with your life and, if contacted or arrested, do not talk to the police (or FBI) without a lawyer. There is nothing you can do to control the situation anyway

but as mentioned, IANAL

[–]Milton2718[S] 0 ポイント1 ポイント  (0子コメント)

Okay. My school is private and well-known, so I think they'll probably keep things internal. Will the databases tell me if I've been reported or only if I've been charged?