WICHITA, Kan. (AP) A Wichita lawyer and a computer software engineer have been charged in a federal indictment alleging they plotted cyberattacks on websites with information criticizing the attorneys work.
U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister told The Wichita Eagle that Wichita lawyer Bradley Pistotnik, 62, and VIRAL Artificial Intelligence Co-Founder David Dorsett, 36, were charged Tuesday with computer fraud and conspiracy. Pistotnik, whos locally known for his commercials in which he rides a bull while advertising that hes an accident attorney, is also charged with making false statements to the FBI.
The indictment alleges that Pistotnik and Dorsett are responsible for cyberattacks on Leagle.com , Ripoffreport.com and JaburgWilk.com in 2014 and 2015. The indictment also accuses Dorsett of filling website inboxes with threats.
One of the emails read: Remove this page and we stop and if you dont remove it we will begin targeting your advertisers, the statement said.
Pistotniks attorney, Steve Robison, denied the allegations. Dorsett couldnt be reached for comment.
Computer fraud carries a penalty of up to five years in prison and an up to $250,000 fine on each count, according to McAllisters statement. Conspiracy carries up to 10 years in prison along with an up to $250,000 fine. The men face five counts of computer fraud and two counts of conspiracy.
The penalty for making false statements can be up to five years and a fine of up to $250,000 for each count. Pistotnik faces three counts.
