Security News > 2021 > July > eBay ex-security boss sent down for 18 months for cyber-stalking, witness tampering

The former global security manager for eBay was sentenced on Tuesday to 18 months in prison and was ordered to pay a $15,000 fine for his role in the cyber-stalking and harassment of a Massachusetts couple who published a newsletter critical of the internet yard sale.

Two other former eBay execs not charged in the conspiracy, former CEO Devin Wenig and former comms chief Steven Wymer, both of whom left the company around the time the allegations surfaced, were sued last week, along with eBay and security contractor Progressive FORCE Concepts, in a civil complaint [PDF] filed on behalf of the Steiners.

The civil lawsuit accused the two former eBay leaders of encouraging the intimidation campaign.

Cooke's attorney, Susan Winkler, in a separate memorandum [PDF] to the court, argued for leniency, citing Cooke's limited involvement in the scheme and attempting to justify his actions by citing his concern about keeping his friend and former police department colleague Brian Gilbert out of trouble.

"Although it is no excuse, in the August 20-22 time period, when the witness tampering occurred, Mr Cooke was in India alone and inebriated," wrote Winkler.

According to Winkler's memorandum, the government plans to seek sentences of 41 months for Stephanie Popp, owing to her supervisory role in the harassment campaign, 37 months for Gilbert, 30 months for Zea, and 24 months for Stockwell.

News URL

https://go.theregister.com/feed/www.theregister.com/2021/07/28/ebay_security_prison/