Florida spammer hit with internet ban

Under the ruling Frye faces one year in prison and an additional three years suspended sentence. The judge also banned him from owning, leasing or using a computer for a subsequent six-year probationary period.

When Frye is released from prison he will be met with a fine payable directly to BellSouth. The company said it was pleased with the verdict.

"This ruling is a true triumph for our customers," said Richard Burns, VP internet service operations at BellSouth. "We will continue to assist and cooperate with law enforcement officials who prosecute internet offenders. We are committed to protecting our customers."

Representatives of the company said it aided the investigation into Frye.

Frye's guilty plea was for offences against intellectual property computer fraud. Frye cracked and hijacked user accounts in order to mass mail the spam.

The case is the latest in a long line of spamming prosecutions this year. In late February SC reported Microsoft was suing a man suspected of being Israel's biggest spammer. 30-year-old Amir Gans, was accused of contributing up to 50 percent of Israel's spam problem.

www.bellsouthcorp.com