Austin Police Chief Paul M.

Tuesday, April 04, 2000

Austin Police Chief Paul M. Philipp said the investigation is continuing into a group of teenagers who allegedly planted a virus in computer systems.

No arrests have been made, according to the police chief.

Also, it is unlikely at this time the individuals will be charged as adults.

One 18-year-old, three 17-year-olds and two other teenagers are suspects in the case, which involved implanting a virus in the computer systems of up to 20 computer-owners in the Austin area.

Five computers were seized by authorities and are being examined by PST Computer Service.

The virus was discovered when the mother of one of the accused subjects took the family’s computer to PST Computer Service when it crashed.

Computer firms are required by law to notify authorities, when tampering is discovered or suspected.

According to the police chief, letters were sent to the victims a week ago advising them of the infiltration of their computer systems.

D.A.R.E. graduation tonight

The Austin Police Department will hold its first-ever Drug Abuse Resistance Education graduation ceremonies tonight.

The D.A.R.E. graduation activities begin at 7 p.m. in Knowlton Auditorium at Austin High School.

Austin Mayor Bonnie Rietz, Austin Police Chief Paul M. Philipp and the department’s D.A.R.E. education officer John Lorenz will participate.

This year, 307 fifth graders have successfully completed the D.A.R.E. in-school program offered by the Austin Police Department.