1969

Computer Criminal

David L. Smith was a network programmer when he pirated, or broke into and stole, an America Online account and unleashed a macro virus, called Melissa, that disrupted operations for as many as one million computer users. His stunt is thought to have cost affected organizations as much as $393 million in damages. After an investigation that lasted only days, Smith was caught and charged with interruption of public communication. Variants of the Melissa virus are still spreading.

A bankrupt computer geek

David Smith grew up in Matawan, New Jersey. During the 1990s, he lived in several cities in south Florida, where he worked at a computer firm. After losing his job, he used his credit card to put off paying bills and soon accumulated $23,860 in credit card debt.

After filing for bankruptcy in 1996, Smith moved back to New Jersey to live with his parents...