A well-known Wichita lawyer and a computer software engineer were charged Tuesday in federal court in connection with cyberattacks on websites that posted information critical of the lawyer’s work.
A news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office said lawyer Brad Pistotnik and David Dorsett are being charged with five counts of computer fraud and two counts of conspiracy. Pistotnik also is charged with three counts of making false statements to the FBI.
Pistotnik runs Brad Pistotnik Law and is known for his television commercials that identify him as “The Bull.”
The indictment alleges Pistotnik and Dorsett launched cyberattacks against three websites: a legal site, a consumer protection site and an Arizona law firm’s site. It says Dorsett filled the websites’ inboxes with threats.
One threat said they would start targeting a site’s advertisers with cyberattacks if the site didn’t take down information critical of Pistotnik. The indictment also alleges that when an FBI agent questioned Pistotnik, he made false statements.
Each count in the indictment can carry a sentence of between five and 10 years in prison and a fine up to $250,000.
Tom Shine is the director of news and public affairs. Follow him on Twitter @thomaspshine. To contact KMUW News or to send in a news tip, reach us at news@kmuw.org.
