Lamo Pleads Guilty to Times Hack
Hacker Adrian Lamo pleaded guilty Thursday to federal computer crime charges arising from his 2002 intrusion into the New York Time internal network, and faces a likely six to twelve months in custody when he's sentenced in April.
In a plea deal with prosecutors, Lamo, 22, admitted to cracking the Times network and recklessly causing damage exceeding $5,000. Both sides agreed on the six to twelve month sentencing range which, under federal guidelines, could permit Lamo to serve his sentence under house arrest or confined to a halfway house, at the court's discretion. The judge is not bound by the sentencing recommendation, and could technically sentence Lamo to as much as five years in custody-- though it's unlikely. The hacker also potentially faces $15,000 to $20,000 in fines, and could be ordered to pay financial restitution.
Clad, uncharacteristically, in a sports coat and loafers, Lamo answered federal judge Naomi Buchwald in a calm and clear voice Thursday as she meticulously reviewed his rights as a defendant, and asked if he wished to waive his right to a jury trial. Lamo told Buchwald that he regretted causing the Times financial harm. "I knew that I crossed the line," said Lamo. "I am genuinely remorseful."
"He has always indicated that he's willing to accept responsibility for what he did," said Lamo's defense attorney, federal public defender Sean Hecker, after the appearance.
In a statement, Times spokesperson Christine Mohan said Lamo's intrusion "was a serious offense, and we appreciate that it was treated as such by the authorities."
