Fugitive hacker surfaces on the Web

[InfoSec News <isn () C4I ORG>]

http://www.zdii.com/industry_list.asp?mode=news&doc_id=ZD2164061

By Joel Deane
ZDNet News
February 12, 2001

Justin Petersen, the hacker and FBI informant turned fugitive, appears
to have surfaced on the Web.

Late Thursday, a Web site purporting to belong to the former hacker
posted a statement in which Petersen implied that he was currently
outside the United States -- and doubted that he would testify at the
upcoming trial of imprisoned hacker Kevin Mitnick.

The U.S. District Court in Los Angeles issued an arrest warrant for
Petersen -- on parole for hacking a financial institution and
electronically stealing $150,000 -- on Sept. 30. Since then, according
to reports, U.S. Marshalls have scoured Petersen's former Hollywood
haunts. Petersen worked as a FBI informant between 1991 and 1993 and
allegedly gathered evidence against several hackers, including Mitnick
and ZDTV columnist Kevin Poulsen.

Two ZDTV reporters, Poulsen and Luke Reiter, e-mailed and phoned
Petersen Wednesday. Late Thursday, an anonymous associate of Petersen
left voice mail directions to Petersen's new Web site.

According to a statement posted on that site, Petersen's "fugitive
status is mostly a non-story ... I had a personality conflict with my
Parole Office and could not come to terms."

In the statement, Petersen, who must pay restitution to the victims of
his crimes, also referred to his financial troubles and unemployed
status. "Being severely in debt due to the cost of attorneys and
having all my assets taken by the government, it's been tough getting
... back on my feet," the statement said.

"I have paid off many of my debts, however, I still owe a great deal
to the government.

"Finding work with a criminal record is no easy task, being
handicapped (Petersen has a prosthetic leg) doesn't help either. When
a great job opportunity overseas came up, I decided to take it."

Mitnick testimony wouldn't be flattering Petersen has been expected to
appear as a witness in the Mitnick trial, which is slated to commence
in early 1999.

"In my opinion it would not be in either sides best interest
(prosecution and defense) to have me on the stand," the statement
said. "What I have to say will not be flattering. So, to answer that
question, I doubt I will be present at the trial one way or another."

According to the statement, Petersen is not concerned about being
apprehended, but has considered turning himself in. "Frankly, I find
this whole situation rather amusing," the statement said.

"Everyone seems so interested in what the hell I'm up to. Alas, rest
assure I am somewhere having fun with a nice looking lady, enjoying
the first freedom I have felt in some time."

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