A 31-year-old Tallahassee man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for a string of cybercrimes, including cyberstalking, unauthorized access to a protected computer, and aggravated identity theft.
Michael Daniel Rubens, formerly of Tallahassee, was handed the sentence by United States District Judge Robert L. Hinkle. He was also ordered to pay a $15,000 fine and $1,550 in restitution.
The crimes occurred between January 2012 and January 2015, during which time Rubens hacked into the online accounts of dozens of young women, stealing photographs and other personal information. He used this information to create pornography and post it on social media websites and a revenge pornography website that was shut down by the FBI.
Rubens’ victims included an employee of a local restaurant he frequented, an out-of-town colleague, an acquaintance in his office building, clients of his employer, a former girlfriend and her colleagues, high school classmates, and the victims’ relatives or friends.
Acting United States Attorney Christopher P. Canova stated, ‘This sentence sends an unequivocal message to anyone tempted to use a computer as a weapon to victimize and steal the identities of others: Expect to be prosecuted. And expect to go to prison.’
The case was the result of investigations by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, the Florida State University Police Department, and the Leon County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jason S. Beaton.
Rubens’ counsel had argued that cyberstalking was not a serious crime, but Judge Hinkle responded, ‘Perhaps it’s time they learned.’
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Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: Cybercrime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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