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Felon Sentenced to 20 Years for Armed Home Invasion, Extortion, and Internet Domain Theft
A convicted felon from Cedar Rapids has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for attempting to extort an internet domain name in an armed home invasion. Sherman Hopkins, Jr., 43, was sentenced on December 2017 guilty plea to one count of interference and attempted interference with commerce by threats and violence, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1951.
Hopkins, who was convicted of perjury in 2006, entered the victim’s home on June 21, 2017, armed with a stolen Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol. He pistol-whipped and Tased the victim, demanding to know where he kept his computer. Hopkins then ordered the victim to change the internet domain name from one GoDaddy account to another, using a piece of paper with directions.
The victim, fearing for his life, managed to gain control of the gun during a struggle and shot Hopkins multiple times in the chest. Hopkins is currently being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case is the first Hobbs Act Extortion prosecution in the district involving the attempt to steal an internet domain name. The Cedar Rapids Police Department investigated the case, and Assistant United States Attorneys Tim Vavricek and Dan Tvedt prosecuted the case.
Hopkins’ sentence is a result of a plea agreement in December 2017. The case file number is 17-CR-59-LRR, and information can be found on the court’s website at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The victim, who wishes to remain anonymous, has not commented on the case. However, the Cedar Rapids community is relieved that justice has been served in this violent and brazen crime.
Hopkins is a convicted felon with a history of violence. His sentence serves as a warning to others who would attempt to use violence and intimidation to achieve their goals.
The case is a reminder of the importance of online safety and security. Internet domain names are valuable assets that can be protected from theft and extortion.
Key Facts
- State: Iowa
- Category: Violent Crime|Cybercrime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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