Computer cracker Kevin Mitnick will not now face trial, having pleaded guilty on Friday to charges of online fraud. His lawyers struck a deal with government prosecutors that could see him free within the year. US District Judge Mariana Pfaelze accepted the plea bargain, though she left open the question of restitution. Prosecutors want Mitnick to pay millions for his crimes but his lawyers point out that his earning ability has been sharply curtailed.
In June, Mitnick will be formally sentenced to three years, 10 months in prison. He will, however, be credited for the time he has already served. His sentence forbids him from using computers and cell phones for three years after he is released, and he must surrender proceeds from publications, movies or other commercial ventures related to his crimes for another seven years.
Arrested in February 1995, Mitnick was charged on a 25-count indictment – 14 counts of computer and wire fraud and eight counts of illegal possession of confidential corporate documents. His victims included Motorola, Novell, Nokia and Sun Microsystems.
