Woman Faces 18 months in prison for creating a fake facbook account of an ex boyfriend

For part of an ICT assignment we were asked to research articles relating to technology and write a summery and our thoughts on it. I wanted mine to fit in with the media theme in my blog so I thought of looking into social networking, how it's being perceived in the media and how it's effects on people.

resource link:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2054381/Woman-faces-18-months-prison-creating-fake-Facebook-profile-ex-boyfriend.html

summery:
This article appeared in the 'Daily Mail' on the 28th of October 2011, it discusses how Dana Thornton, a 41 year old woman from New Jersey faces 18 months in prison after a prank went wrong. The woman set up a fake facebook account of her ex boyfriend “to get back at him”, and now faces identity theft charges, as the prosecutors claim her actions harmed her ex-boyfriend's reputation.
Authorities say she created the facebook account after her relationship with Mr Lasalandra had ended. However it was created as if it was written by her former boyfriend, as it included his name, date of birth, and photos.
The Postings Mrs Thornton wrote included poor remarks about his lifestyle choices and career.
Although Mrs Thornton never denied creating the facebook account her lawyers filed a motion to dismiss the case, as there is no law against creating a profile of anyone online.

“Under the New Jersey statute, there is no plain wording, commentary, memorandum or any evidence of legislative intent to show that impersonating someone online or by electronic means is a crime.”

However the prosecution reminded the court that impersonating or assuming false identity is a crime.

“Certainly it would damage his good name, standing or reputation if false comments and assertions were made.”
Thornton was charged after the web page's IP address from which the profile was made was traced back to her home computer.
A hearing is scheduled for November 2nd.

Opinion:
I believe Dana Thornton took advantage of her use of social networks, and when the hearing is done, her privileges will be revoked. If the state of New Jersey don't make a point out of this case, cyberbullying and anonymous sexual haunting will increase rather than decrease. Due to Thornton's age she should have known better and I believe a stand has to be taken against her to defend future cases like this, which my involve more vulnerable members of society.