Current:Home > MarketsMember of eBay security team sentenced in harassment scheme involving bloody Halloween pig mask -Keystone Capital Education
Member of eBay security team sentenced in harassment scheme involving bloody Halloween pig mask
View
Date:2025-04-16 05:15:03
BOSTON (AP) — The former senior manager of special operations for eBay Inc.’s. global security team was sentenced Thursday in federal court in Boston for his role in a cyberstalking campaign that included sending a preserved fetal pig, a bloody pig Halloween mask and a book on surviving the loss of a spouse to a Massachusetts couple’s home.
Brian Gilbert, 56, of San Jose, Calif., was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge William Young to time served, one year of supervised release provided that he has no contact with either of the victims, and a $20,000 fine.
In October 2020, Gilbert pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit cyberstalking and conspiracy to tamper with witnesses.
Gilbert and others targeted David and Ina Steiner, investigators said. The couple produced an online newsletter called EcommerceBytes that upset eBay executives with its coverage.
Gilbert is one of seven now-former eBay employees and contractors on the company’s security team who were charged and ultimately convicted for their roles in the cyberstalking campaign.
“Today’s sentencing brings an end to our prosecution of eBay’s horrific conduct. The company’s culture resulted in seven eBay employees and contractors inflicting an unspeakable campaign of harassment and intimidation against the victims in this case, all to silence their reporting and protect the eBay brand,” acting U.S. Attorney Joshua Levy said in a statement.
In August 2019, the defendants executed a three-part harassment campaign against the Natick, Massachusetts, couple including ordering anonymous and disturbing deliveries to the victims’ home, investigators said. Their home address also was posted online with announcements inviting strangers to yard sales and parties.
Some of the defendants also sent private Twitter messages and public tweets criticizing the newsletter’s content and threatening to visit the victims in Natick, according to prosecutors.
The third phase of the campaign involved surveilling the victims in their home and community. The victims spotted the surveillance and notified the Natick Police, who began to investigate.
In January, eBay Inc. agreed to pay a $3 million fine to resolve criminal charges over the harassment campaign waged by employees who also sent live spiders, cockroaches and other disturbing items to the couple’s home, prosecutors said.
veryGood! (9)
Related
- Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie return for an 'Encore,' reminisce about 'The Simple Life'
- Watch this toddler tap out his big sister at Air Force boot camp graduation ceremony
- Radical British preacher Anjem Choudary sentenced to life in prison for directing a terrorist group
- Lawsuit says Norfolk Southern’s freight trains cause chronic delays for Amtrak
- Newly elected West Virginia lawmaker arrested and accused of making terroristic threats
- Frederick Richard next poster athlete for men's gymnastics after team bronze performance
- Target denim take back event: Trade in your used jeans for a discount on a new pair
- Green Day, Smashing Pumpkins roar through impressive sets after rain hits tour opener
- Meet first time Grammy nominee Charley Crockett
- More ground cinnamon recalled due to elevated levels of lead, FDA says
Ranking
- Hackers hit Rhode Island benefits system in major cyberattack. Personal data could be released soon
- BMW, Chrysler, Ford, Maserati among 313K vehicles recalled: Check car recalls here
- William Calley, who led the My Lai massacre that shamed US military in Vietnam, has died
- Second spectator injured in Trump campaign rally shooting released from hospital
- The Daily Money: Spending more on holiday travel?
- 2 children dead, 11 injured in mass stabbing at dance school's Taylor Swift-themed class
- Atlanta pulls off stunner, get Jorge Soler back from Giants while paying entire contract
- Paris Olympics highlights: USA adds medals in swimming, gymnastics, fencing
Recommendation
FACT FOCUS: Inspector general’s Jan. 6 report misrepresented as proof of FBI setup
Pregnant Francesca Farago and Jesse Sullivan Reveal Sex of Twin Babies
Son of drug kingpin ‘El Chapo’ pleads not guilty to drug trafficking charges in Chicago
Anthony Edwards cheers on Team USA table tennis after friendly trash talk, 'challenge' at 2024 Paris Olympics
SFO's new sensory room helps neurodivergent travelers fight flying jitters
Bella Hadid was 'shocked' by controversial Adidas campaign: 'I do not believe in hate'
Madden 25 ratings reveal: Tyreek Hill joins 99 club, receiver and safety rankings
Did Katie Ledecky win? How she finished in 1500 free heat, highlights from Paris Olympics