Apparently computer crimes run in the family, when it comes to a West New York Mayor and his son. They were both taken into custody after allegedly hacking the computers of a group seeking the mayor’s recall.
According to reports, Mayor Felix Roque and his son hacked an email address of one of the recall organizers to gain access to the server that was hosting the recall’s website. They then disable the site, bringing it down. They then changed the password to attempt to block legitimate users from restoring the site.
They are also accused to using information taken from the email accounts to call or otherwise contact recall supporters and intimidate them. Although never mentioned by name, Mayor Roque alluded to the state’s governor as being among his supporters.
He also threatened to send recall supporter information to the IRS for tax audits.
From the Star-Ledger:
West New York Mayor Felix Roque was arrested this morning by the FBI on charges of illegally hacking into a website associated with a recall movement, while attempting to tap into e-mails to find who might be plotting against him.
A spokesman for the U.S. Attorney’s office confirmed the arrest and said Roque’s son, Joseph, was also taken into custody.
Read the full article here.