FBI probes cyber threats against Steubenville sheriff

Jefferson County Sheriff Fred Abdalla talks about how the FBI is investigating cyber threats in the eastern Ohio city that include a death threat received by the sheriff in his office on Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2013, in Steubenville, Ohio. / AP Photo/Keith Srakocic

STEUBENVILLE, OhioThe FBI is investigating cyber threats in an eastern Ohio city that include death threats against the local sheriff's family and an email that apparently shut down the police chief's computer.

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The threats are part of a series of online messages that have targeted individuals and authorities in Steubenville amid increased attention over two high school football players who are facing rape charges.

Jefferson County Sheriff Fred Abdalla said Wednesday he'd provided the FBI a copy of an anonymous Facebook post in which someone threatened to kill his family.

Steubenville Police Chief William McCafferty said he gave the FBI an email that he had opened Wednesday morning, which then disabled his computer.

FBI spokesman Todd Lindgren said he could not immediately comment.

The two teenage boys are set for trial next month in juvenile court on charges they raped a 16-year-old in August. Their attorneys have denied the charges in court.

Much of the evidence in the case played out on social media, in which the photos of the seemingly unconscious girl were posted online. A video published and then deleted from YouTube shows a third freshman, Michael Nodianos, joking about the alleged rape.

The hacking collective Anonymous has staged rallies in support of the alleged victim, and hackers were able to dig up and re-post the deleted YouTube video online.

According to the Steubenville Herald Star, Nodianos' attorney said someone hacked into his client's email and social media accounts, as well as the email accounts of his family members. He has since dropped out of Ohio State University, where he was slated to attend on a scholarship.

[JohnDoe647458]

Dear Sheriff, opening such an e-mail was foolish. You likely have sensitive information on your computer or use it to access sensitive information. Take the opportunity to learn more about cybersecurity.

[OliverHolz]

The sheriff was threatened, not cyberspace.
It is a sheriff threat, not a cyber threat.
Quit putting cyber in front of everything, it makes you look stupid.

[bendthemover]

OLIVERHOLZ: I see nothing nothing wrong with the heading using the word cyber. I think you need to read it again because your comment makes you look stupid.

[1111matt]

FBI, investigate this Sheriff and the city protector who's son is a good friend of the 2 accused.

[1111matt]

FBI, investigate this Sheriff and the protector's office who's son is a good friend of the 2 accused.

[peachallie]

Dahwed Abdalla is holding a "STAND UP FOR STEUBENVILLE" rally tomorrow; John Abdalla holds another countywide office; Fred Jr. could be Fred's son, or a another name for the Sheriff. Call me paranoid, but I think the 3 or 4 are related in some manner.

[bendthemover]

Ma'lik Richmond is accused of raping a 16 year old girl multiple times. While waiting for his court date, a family he lived with took him to Disneyland for vacation. This may be an indication why these kids are so screwed up. The message the kids hear is: "If I rape someone or get into serious trouble with the law, I get to go to Dsineyland for vacation." Perhaps these caring, but not too bright, adults should have waited until the trial was over and Ma'lik was vindicated before rewarding him with a cross country trip to Californis. Better yet, they should have left Ma'lik at home and invited the young female victim to go with them. She is really the one who needs to get away for a while.

[bendthemover]

Note to the victim: You have nothing to be ashamed of and it appears that the entire country is behind you. Hold your head high and seek whatever help you may need to get past this nightmare. You will become a stronger person over time and hopefully God will give you all the happiness you deserve. God Bless you and your family in all that you do.

[bendthemover]

I think the punishment should fit the crime so I suggest that each member of the "rape crew" get raped by every other member until they have all experienced what this young girl had to endure. Photos should be taken and posted for all to see just like they did to the victim. Perhaps the town could even sell tickets to watch the event every night until all the boys have had their turn. Wonder how these boys would feel about getting raped by their buddies and having the pictures posted.

[peachallie]

Abdalla 1, 2, 3, or possibly 4 wants to project a more POSITIVE image now. STAND UP FOR STEUBENVILLE, sponsored by Dahwed Abdalla tomorrow.....

[bendthemover]

I find it very difficult to believe that investigators are not able to get witnesses to tell their story, especially when they have evidence from photos, video and text messages. It isn't like these these kids are hardened criminals who can stand up to the questioning. More likely, under intense questioning, they would be crying all over themselves.

[bendthemover]

I believe the adults around these members of the "rape crew" turned a blind eye so often that it gave the boys a sense of being invincible. How could the parents NOT know that their kids are out drinking and drugging all night. The adults are as responsible and probably more so than the "stupid" boys involved.

[bendthemover]

I think the punishment should fit the crime so I suggest that each member of the "rape crew" get raped by every other member until they have all experienced what this young girl had to endure. Photos should be taken and posted for all to see just like they did to the victim. Perhaps the town could even sell tickets to watch the event every night until all the boys have had their turn. Wonder how these boys would feel about getting raped by their buddies and having the pictures posted.