Computers Seized in Data-Theft Probe

[Gunit_Sangh]

Federal Investigators Remove PCs, Discs From Several Locations; LexisNexis Break-In Linked to Paris Hilton Phone Hacking

By Brian Krebs
washingtonpost.com Staff Writer
Thursday, May 19, 2005; 3:40 PM

The federal investigation into the massive theft of sensitive financial records and information from database giant LexisNexis Inc. intensified this week with the execution of search warrants and seizure of evidence from several individuals across the country, according to a senior federal law enforcement official with direct knowledge of the case.

Three people targeted in the investigation confirmed that federal investigators had served warrants at their homes. The group included a minor who has been in contact with a washingtonpost.com reporter for three months and who said he was directly involved in the LexisNexis breach.

Another of the three, Zach Mann, 18, of Maple Grove, Minn., said FBI and Secret Service personnel came to his home Monday and removed personal computers and dozens of computer discs.

"They came looking for anything connected with LexisNexis," Mann said, before deferring further comment to his attorney, who confirmed that a federal search warrant had been executed at his client's address.


Rest of story
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/05/19/AR2005051900704.html

[aion]

1. Storm Troopers

"They busted down the door and ran at me with guns pointed in my face," said Jason Hawks, 23, of Winston-Salem, N.C., in a telephone interview, adding that he called 911 because he "saw people surrounding the house and I thought it was burglars at first."

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Why not knock first? Was there any reason to think the occupants were armed or would resist arrest? Since when does a subponea permit such wanton disregard for civil rights?