Man pleads guilty to computer fraud

JEFFERSON COUNTY – The United States Attorney’s Office announced that a former employee of a local shipping company has pleaded guilty to damaging their computer systems.

According to court documents, Jason Schrum was employed by Axis Worldwide Supply Chain & Logistics, Inc., a company that provides services related to international and interstate shipping and logistics, including shipping large materials used in construction projects. Schrum was a transportation manager for Axis and an administrator for their computer system until his termination over a dispute in April 2011.

He then went to work for a competitor of Axis and had no reason to access their systems or any Axis computer after mid-May 2011.  On June 12, 2011, in the late evening, without authorization, the Schrum accessed the Axis computer system and carried out numerous actions, including deleting customer shipment records, customer shipment history, and manipulated shipping rate tables. The company has estimated that the damage/cost was more than $25,000 to repair and correct.

Schrum, 31, Desoto, plead guilty to one felony count of computer fraud before United States District Judge Henry Autrey. Sentencing has been set for May 8.

This charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and/or fines up to $250,000.