Atlanta, GA - WILLIAM BRYANT, 38, of Norcross, Georgia, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Thomas W. Thrash on a charge of hackingknowingly causing the transmission of information to a computer used in interstate commerce, and, as a result, intentionally and without authorization causing damage to that computer.

“Hacking, or intruding into and causing damage to a computer system, is a serious federal offense,” said United States Attorney David E. Nahmias. “Hacking causes particular dangers to our nation’s critical infrastructure and we will prosecute such attacks aggressively.”

BRYANT was sentenced to five months in prison and five months of home confinement, to be followed by 2 years of supervised release, ordered to perform 200 hours of community service, and pay restitution of $15,470. BRYANT pleaded guilty to the charges on September 26, 2007.

According to United States Attorney Nahmias and the information presented in court: BRYANT is a former employee of Cox Communications, which operates a computer and telecommunications network throughout the United States. After being asked to resign his position with Cox, BRYANT remotely shut down portions of the company’s system, resulting in the loss of computer and telecommunications services, including access to 9-1-1 emergency services, for Cox customers in Texas, Las Vegas, New Orleans, and Baton Rouge. Cox technicians restored service within hours.

This case was investigated by Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Assistant United States Attorney Lawrence R. Sommerfeld prosecuted the case.

For further information please contact David E. Nahmias (pronounced NAH-meus), United States Attorney, or Charysse L. Alexander, Executive Assistant United States Attorney, through Patrick Crosby, Public Affairs Officer, U.S. Attorney's Office, at (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the HomePage for the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia is www.usdoj.gov/usao/gan.