Thomas A. Johnson, Distributed Denial of Service Attack, New York 2016

A North Carolina man has pleaded guilty to directing a distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack that disrupted internet access for thousands of Plattsburgh-area internet customers. Thomas A. Johnson, 24, of Boone, North Carolina, admitted to intentionally causing damage to a protected computer on March 2, 2016, by orchestrating a DDoS attack intended to knock a Plattsburgh-area user off the internet while the two were playing an internet-based video game.

According to the investigation, Johnson’s actions were motivated by a perceived insult from the target. The DDoS attack not only disrupted the intended target’s internet access but also impacted all users of the target’s internet network.

A DDoS attack targets websites and online services by causing the targeted server or network to be overwhelmed by more internet traffic than the server or network can typically accommodate, rendering the affected server or network inoperable for a period of time until service can be restored.

As part of his misdemeanor guilty plea, Johnson faces a maximum statutory penalty of 1 year in prison, as well as a fine of up to $100,000, and a term of supervised release of up to a year. Sentencing is scheduled for December 20, 2021, in Albany before United States Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Stewart.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily C. Powers. The incident highlights the potential consequences of cybercrimes and the importance of online safety and security.

Johnson’s guilty plea serves as a reminder of the seriousness of cyber attacks and the impact they can have on individuals and communities. The incident also underscores the need for individuals to be vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect themselves from cyber threats.

The case is a significant milestone in the fight against cybercrime, and it demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to investigating and prosecuting such crimes.

Defendant: Thomas A. Johnson

Criminal Charges: Directed a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack

City and State: Boone, North Carolina

Exact Date: March 2, 2016

Sentence or Outcome: Plea agreement with a maximum statutory penalty of 1 year in prison, a fine of up to $100,000, and a term of supervised release of up to a year

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