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Two Men Sentenced for Selling Fake Microsoft Office 365 Licenses
Two South Dakota men have been sentenced for their roles in a scheme to sell fake Microsoft Office 365 licenses online. Bryan Bernhold, 26, of Box Elder, and Jacob Sheldon LaFlash, 26, of Rapid City, were convicted of unauthorized access to a protected computer to defraud.
According to court documents, LaFlash and Bernhold discovered a way to gain access to Microsoft’s computers without paying for the software. They then set up a seller account on eBay and advertised the fake licenses for sale at $8.99 and $9.99. Between October 2017 and May 2018, LaFlash sold 4,592 fraudulent user accounts and received $71,129.59, while Bernhold sold 2,787 accounts and received $22,264.98.
LaFlash was sentenced to 2 years of probation, 100 hours of community service, 6 months of home confinement, and restitution to Microsoft in the amount of $83,652.69. Bernhold was sentenced to 1 year of probation, 100 hours of community service, restitution to Microsoft in the amount of $22,264.98, and a $2,000 fine.
The scheme affected Microsoft’s business and interfered with interstate and foreign commerce. LaFlash and Bernhold accessed Microsoft’s protected computers on different dates, creating more than 7,000 fraudulent user accounts through wire signals.
Homeland Security Investigations led the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper prosecuted the case. LaFlash and Bernhold were indicted by a federal grand jury on January 22, 2020. LaFlash pleaded guilty on April 23, 2021, and Bernhold pleaded guilty on May 7, 2021.
This case serves as a reminder of the consequences of cybercrime and the importance of protecting online security. Microsoft Office 365 is a popular software suite that offers a range of services, including email, calendar, and document management. The company’s computers and systems are protected by robust security measures to prevent unauthorized access.
In this case, LaFlash and Bernhold were able to bypass these security measures and gain access to Microsoft’s computers. They then used this access to create fake user accounts and sell them on eBay. The scheme was uncovered and the men were brought to justice.
LaFlash and Bernhold’s actions not only harmed Microsoft but also put the company’s customers at risk of cyber attacks and data breaches. The men’s sentences reflect the severity of their crimes and the importance of protecting online security.
Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Category: Cybercrime|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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