My roommate sent an obscene mass email from my email account

[osotegreat]

Hello, from Washington State

Last night, one of my roommates asks if he can borrow my computer, I agreed to let him use it, then since i was tired, went to bed. The next morning, I find out that he has sent out an obscene mass email to everyone on my contact list (probable future employers, my grandmother included). I confronted him, and he admitted it, and is showing no remorse, and I want to prosecute him to the fullest extent of the law that I can. I saw somewhere that it was a felony, but it was not a credible source, please tell me, legally, what can I do?

 

[Michael Wechsler]

Hello, from Washington State

Last night, one of my roommates asks if he can borrow my computer, I agreed to let him use it, then since i was tired, went to bed. The next morning, I find out that he has sent out an obscene mass email to everyone on my contact list (probable future employers, my grandmother included). I confronted him, and he admitted it, and is showing no remorse, and I want to prosecute him to the fullest extent of the law that I can. I saw somewhere that it was a felony, but it was not a credible source, please tell me, legally, what can I do?

Let's say you can bring this matter to the local district attorney's office... I'm guessing they have a lot of other more serious cases to prosecute. Why don't you start by suing him for defamation? File a case in your county court and do it pro-bono. You can probably ask for up to $25,000 or more. Get him served or have a friend hand him the summons. For just the cost of the filing fee you can probably scare the bejesus out of him and ask for a settlement. I don't think small claims allows you to sue for defamation but there might be a creative way to use the court. Get hold of the local rules which may be available online. Perhaps you'll get some remorse and some compensation... and a public apology. Good luck.