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Melissa Virus Creator To Be Released For Christmas

David Smith, the creator of the Melissa virus, will be released from prison on December 10, but will remain under supervision for three more years.

34-year-old Smith, who was sentenced to 20 months in prison following a plea bargain in May of last year, had originally pleading guilty to charges of computer theft and pleading a virus with the intent to cause damage back in 1999.

In a complex legal procedure, the judge in the case originally sentenced Smith to 10 years, but this was reduced to 20 months in Fort Dix jail as part of the agreement.

The courts have now reportedly re-sentenced Smith to four years, with the balance of his sentence to be suspended.

Reporting on the unusual sentencing case, the Ashbury Free Press says that, when he is released from Fort Dix, Smith will remain under federal supervision and will be required to perform community service.

As part of his probation, he will not have access to a computer or computer network unless approved by his probation officer.

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