Indian Student Vishwanath Akuthota Sentenced for Destroying Computers at Albany College
August 13, 2019 - Indian student Vishwanath Akuthota (27) of Albany, NY was sentenced today to 12-months in prison for intentionally damaging computer equipment owned by The College of St. Rose.
The 12-months prison sentence will be followed by one year of supervised release.
In addition to 12-months prison sentence and supervised release, Vishwanath Akuthota was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $58,471.
Akuthota has been in custody since his arrest on February 22, 2019 in North Carolina.
Vishwanath Akuthota pleaded guilty to destroying computers at Albany College April 16, 2019.
According to the plea agreement:
...Akuthota inserted a “USB Killer” device into 66 computers, as well as numerous computer monitors and computer-enhanced podiums, owned by the college in Albany. The “USB Killer” device, when inserted into a computer’s USB port, sends a command causing the computer’s on-board capacitors to rapidly charge and then discharge repeatedly, thereby overloading and physically destroying the computer’s USB port and electrical system.Vishwanath Akuthota is a citizen of India and is residing in the United States on a student visa.
Akuthota admitted that he intentionally destroyed the computers, and recorded himself doing so using his iPhone, including making statements such as “I’m going to kill this guy” before inserting the USB Killer into a computer’s USB port.
Akuthota also admitted that his actions caused $58,471 in damage, and has agreed to pay restitution in that amount to the College.
Vishwanath Akuthota will likely be deported to India after completing his court ordered sentence.