Bryan Bernhold and Jacob Sheldon LaFlash, Unauthorized Access to Protected Computer, South Dakota 2021

Rapid City Man and Box Elder Man Sentenced for Unauthorized Access to a Protected Computer to Defraud, South Dakota.

Two South Dakota men, Bryan Bernhold and Jacob Sheldon LaFlash, have been sentenced for their role in defrauding Microsoft through unauthorized access to a protected computer. Bryan Bernhold, age 26, from Box Elder, and Jacob Sheldon LaFlash, age 26, from Rapid City, were convicted of Unauthorized Access to a Protected Computer to Defraud.

According to the court, LaFlash and Bernhold accessed Microsoft’s protected computers without authorization between October 27, 2017, and May 1, 2018. They created more than 7,000 fraudulent Microsoft Office 365 user accounts, which they then sold on eBay for $8.99 and $9.99. The men received a total of $93,394.57 for the unauthorized sales.

The court found that LaFlash sold 4,592 fraudulent O365 user accounts and received $71,129.59, while Bernhold sold 2,787 fraudulent O365 user accounts and received $22,264.98.

LaFlash was sentenced to 2 years of probation, 100 hours of community service, 6 months of home confinement, restitution to Microsoft in the amount of $83,652.69, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100. Bernhold was sentenced to 1 year probation, 100 hours of community service, restitution to Microsoft in the amount of $22,264.98, a $2,000 fine, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, 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 pled guilty on April 23, 2021, and Bernhold pled guilty on May 7, 2021. They were sentenced on July 29, 2021, and July 30, 2021, respectively.

The Unauthorized Access to a Protected Computer to Defraud charge is a serious crime that carries significant penalties. It is essential for individuals to respect the law and not engage in such activities. This case serves as a reminder of the consequences of defrauding companies and the importance of cybersecurity.