Following the proper procedures within the means of the law and following a chain of command will help to ensure a conviction in cybercrimes. There are many different kinds of cybercrime, knowing the investigative process for the differences will assist in locating electronic evidence. The electronic evidence may include following Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, computer history logs, emails, files, and videos. While poor investigating will let the criminal avoid prosecution, conducting a proper cybercrime investigation can ensure a conviction.
When investigator Peter L. Lockhart Jr., follows the basic steps in a cybercrime investigation, the evidence will be admissible in a court of law. Obtaining the evidence …show more content…
One is the victims, the other has links to an address in California, and the last is from Poland and was never able to connect with the victims address. With an Ex-parte order, Trooper Aresco receives a response from Facebook with history logs as to what IP addresses are relating to the victims. Again, there is a link to the physical address in Sacramento. Trooper Aresco then receives information from Comcast to the address in Sacramento and the IP address is a match. Officer Lockhart receives a search warrant and confiscates a computer from Bronk's bedroom desk. The labeling of a computer is complete with a number two for identification purposes. A forensic examination uncovers pictures of the victim in the file C:\Documents and Settings\Geeg\Desktop\nextfomav\aalechnowicz."nextfornav" folder. The folder also holds the 172 folders of other email accounts Bronk can access and hack. Upon more searching, Lockhart discovers a "pass.txt" file that contains more information on the victims. Lockhart uncovers a file that contains child pornography picture and videos and documents his findings (Shinder, 2010). These acts are in violation of Penal Code sections 502(c) (1) (computer access and fraud); 529 (impersonation of another person); 520 (extortion) and 311.11(a) (possession of child