'Timeshare Spammer' Pleads Guilty

Florida man charged with violating the federal CAN-SPAM law.

Robert McMillan, IDG News Service

A Florida man known as the "Timeshare Spammer" has pled guilty to violating the U.S. CAN-SPAM Act.

Peter Moshou, who was alleged to have sent millions of unsolicited e-mails offering to help people sell their timeshare properties, entered the plea this week in U.S. District Court for the District of Northern Georgia, according to Earthlink, which has launched a civil lawsuit against the spammer.

Moshou is among the first to be convicted under the federal law, known as the Controlling the Assault of Non-Solictied Pornography and Marketing Act, says Alexandra Trask, an Earthlink spokesperson.

Jail Time, Fines Possible

Moshou now faces sentencing by the Court, she says.

Under the law, Moshou could face jail time or possibly millions of dollars in fines, which can be assessed at up to $250 per unsolicited e-mail.

Earthlink is also seeking unspecified financial damages from Moshou, who was sued by the Atlanta Internet service provider in January.

In addition to the CAN-SPAM violations, Earthlink's lawsuit also charges him racketeering and Computer Fraud and Abuse Act violations, the company says in a statement.