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Judge Throws Out Sentence in MySpace Suicide Case

By the Associated Press

Posted Jul 2, 2009 2:57 PM CDT
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(AP) – A Los Angeles federal judge has tentatively thrown out the convictions of a Missouri mother for her role in a MySpace hoax directed at a 13-year-old neighbor girl who ended up committing suicide. US District Judge George Wu acquitted Lori Drew of misdemeanor counts of accessing computers without authorization. Wu says his ruling will become final when he issues it in writing.

Drew was convicted in a trial, but the judge says that if she is to be found guilty of illegally accessing computers, anyone who has ever violated the social networking site's terms of service would be guilty of a misdemeanor. Prosecutors had sought the maximum three-year prison sentence and a $300,000 fine.

Lori Drew, right, and her daughter Sarah Drew arrive at federal court, Nov. 26, 2008, in Los Angeles.
Lori Drew, right, and her daughter Sarah Drew arrive at federal court, Nov. 26, 2008, in Los Angeles.   (AP Photo)
Lori Drew leaves court after a sentencing hearing May 18, 2009, in Los Angeles.
Lori Drew leaves court after a sentencing hearing May 18, 2009, in Los Angeles.   (AP Photo)
Lori Drew leaves court after a sentencing hearing May 18, 2009, in Los Angeles.
Lori Drew leaves court after a sentencing hearing May 18, 2009, in Los Angeles.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 12 comments
Kookey90
Jul 3, 2009 12:26 PM CDT
This is an evil, vindictive woman whom probably has no regrets for what she has done.
Alexandria
Jul 3, 2009 12:23 PM CDT
It's ridiculous. She's a grown woman, she should've known better.
jwilsonte
Jul 3, 2009 12:03 PM CDT
proscutor can appeal aand probaly will his excuse for throwing it out wont stand "because everyone that commits that crime can be proscuted " every body does not harrase a child this judge should be sent back to china hes a moron!!!

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social networking • suicide • MySpace • prosecutor • bullying • Missouri • misdemeanor • cyberbullying

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