TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)—A Tampa woman was sentenced for trafficking illicit Microsoft certificate of authenticity labels.
Heidi Richards, 52, was sentenced to 22 months in prison and a $50,000 fine following her conviction, the Homeland Security Investigations and the Department of Justice announced.
“HSI is committed to protecting the integrity of the technology marketplace and ensuring that consumers receive genuine products,” said HSI Kansas City Acting Special Agent in Charge Rick Sabatini. “This sentencing sends a clear message that those who attempt to exploit software authentication systems for personal gain will be held accountable.”
According to court documents, Richards was operating as Trinity Software Distribution and paid co-conspirators millions of dollars for thousands of genuine, standalone Microsoft certificate of authenticity labels at prices lower than the retail price…