There was a time when a bank robber living in India would be unable to rob a bank in Wisconsin, but a recent bank heist demonstrates that technically talented thieves can find ways to steal funds from banks anywhere in the world. An international ring of cyber crooks were able to steal more than $40 million from two banks using a band of accomplices in the U.S. and 26 other countries, all without setting foot inside of a bank or using a weapon.
State official resigns among questions of scandal
On March 12, a lieutenant governor submitted a brief letter of resignation that expressed her honor in serving her state after she was questioned regarding a federal probe. Speculations surrounded her involvement in Internet crimes and racketeering charges from Internet cafés supposedly containing illegally used slot machines after 57 other people that were connected to the same company were taken into custody. Like Wisconsin, Florida laws prohibit the use of slot machines for gambling purposes. Florida's Department of Law Enforcement personnel questioned her although additional information regarding her involvement in the case is unknown. The governor believed her resignation was the right thing to do under the circumstances. Another staff member for the governor related that she did not want the investigation to distract the current administration.
Attorney General may relax computer crime law enforcement
Tech savvy Wisconsinites who are concerned about too much government oversight of Internet activities may be relieved to hear that the U.S. Attorney General is looking into allegations that computer crime legislation is being enforced too strictly, specifically as it relates to terms of use. However, at the same time, the Department of Justice is seeking to strengthen the penalties associated with computer crimes and stated that it does not want to give the impression that they are backing away from the prosecution of these white-collar offenses. A Vermont senator asked the official if the AG's Office unfairly prosecutes minor and inconsequential, albeit technical, violations of the law. The chief AG responded that their office is investigating and monitoring the ways the statute is enforced and the types of crimes they prosecute. Although not yet a law, a committee has approved an amendment that keeps the DOJ from basing prosecutions on term of use violations alone.
Options running out for sex offender hit with new charges
While most communities don't care to tolerate any type of crime, few crimes get as strong a reaction as a sex offense. Judges, prosecutors and legislators in Wisconsin are under intense pressure to come down hard on sex offenders and punish them to the highest degree possible. As a result, sex crimes carry lengthy prison sentences and offenders are typically required to register with law enforcement authorities after their sentences have ended.
Racine County sheriff adds Internet crimes investigator to staff
Sex crimes involving children have made major headlines this year across the country, from the Jerry Sandusky trial to the Milwaukee Catholic Archdiocese sex abuse scandal. Their prominence has led many Wisconsin residents to wonder whether sexual offenses against children have increased or are simply being reported more often. Either way, the issue has led to more sexual abuse reporting laws and tougher penalties for people convicted of sex crimes against children.
Wauwatosa man accused of soliciting minor over Internet
Police investigations aimed at catching online sexual predators are on the increase. Federal and local officials routinely arrest people after posing as minors online and trying to interact with adults looking for sexual encounters with underage people. The objective is to get a suspect to initiate illegal activity for which they can be arrested.
1 Madison neighborhood; many apparent Internet crime victims
The age of the personal computing and the Internet has changed life on a massive scale. In just a few decades, whether you live in Milwaukee or Northern Wisconsin's wilderness, we have gone from a culture that didn't know what a personal computer was to nearly everyone having a "smart" something in their pockets or briefcases.
Eastern Wisconsin man accused of Internet sex crime
A man from Sussex, Wisconsin, is facing serious charges after being accused of using the Internet to facilitate a sex crime. He joins the increasing ranks of defendants who fall under the impression they're communicating with potential sexual partners, only to discover later that they've been duped by police investigators.
Wisconsin officials break law by posting ballots on Facebook
As Wisconsin Democrats and Republicans continue to argue over this week's recall election, many of them are unaware that officials from both parties were accused of breaking the same election law. Because their actions involved Facebook, the Class 1 felony could be considered an Internet crime, but no charges are expected to be filed because neither of the accused officials realized the law existed.
Felony child pornography charges filed against Fond du Lac man
People who use the Internet to engage in illegal activity should be aware that no matter how savvy they believe they are when it comes to computers, there's usually a law enforcement detective out there who's one step ahead.
