ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The grim specter of cyber-enabled crime unfolded in a Rochester courtroom today as Dawnn Marie Walters, 53, faced the music for her pivotal role in a chilling swatting plot.
Walters, convicted of conspiracy to gain unauthorized access to computers, was handed down one year probation, including six months of home detention, by U.S. Magistrate Judge Colleen D. Holland. The sentence came after a meticulous investigation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz M. Wright revealed the details of Walters’ involvement, which began with an August 2023 swatting call in Rochester. In this sinister twist, individuals impersonated another person, C.F., to report a shooting at C.F.’s parents’ address. This act of cyber terrorism was meant to summon a SWAT team or law enforcement response.
Walters was caught in the web of deception as she engaged in online conversations planning to target C.F. and her devices. She ultimately agreed to assist a co-conspirator in accessing C.F.’s device, leading to unauthorized access to C.F.’s personal email account. Walters’ actions allowed the co-conspirator to send an email from C.F’s account to numerous Monroe County Legislators and New York State Assembly members. The email contained photographs of deceased children and threats to “shoot up some schools in New York,” a chilling attempt to frame C.F. for these heinous acts.
This sentencing is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences cyber criminals can have on innocent individuals and communities. As the FBI and local law enforcement continue their battle against such online predators, the case of Dawnn Marie Walters serves as a cautionary tale of the dangers lurking in the digital realm.
“The sentence handed down today is a testament to our commitment to protecting the public from these types of cybercrimes,” Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Mark Grimm stated. “We will continue to work tirelessly to bring those who engage in such activities to justice.”
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Cybercrime|Public Corruption|Weapons|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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