DOCUMENT: Crime

Death Threat Thursday: Microsoft Extorter

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Death Threat Thursday: Microsoft Extorter

Recalling Willie Sutton, we ask: Why do you try to rob Bill Gates? A: Because that's where the money is. As outlined in this court affidavit, Adam Quinn Pletcher, a 21-year-old Illinois loner, threatened the life of the Microsoft boss (and Gates's wife Melinda) in a bid to collect millions in a harebrained extortion scheme. For his troubles, Pletcher was busted last month by the FBI and now faces up to 20 years behind bars. Here's a suggestion, Adam: next time, make sure to erase Mom's and Dad's name from your diskette. (6 pages)