Online gamer nabbed in Naperville 'swatting' episodes

An online gamer, known in the gaming community as the "Famed God," has been arrested in Las Vegas and will be extradited to Will County in connection with a "swatting" prank that occurred over the summer in Naperville, authorities said.

Brandon Wilson, 19, of Las Vegas, was arrested Thursday at his home, authorities said, and charged with two counts of computer tampering and one count each of intimidation, computer fraud, identity theft and disorderly conduct.

Will County prosecutors said swatting involves making false emergency 911 calls that direct police SWAT teams or other tactical units to a house to investigate what is alleged to be a dangerous situation, such as a hostage-taking scenario or a murder. Swatting is a dangerous prank, they say, that is being used by some in the online gaming community.

Wilson is accused of using a computer to contact Naperville's 911 Center on July 20, 2014, to falsely report a murder at a Naperville house. Naperville's Special Response Team and other officers were dispatched to the residence.

Charges against Wilson also allege he hacked into gaming consoles to obtain or change personal information from a Naperville victim and a Plainfield victim and that he threatened to access bank and social security accounts to put the Naperville victim's father "in debt for life."

Wilson faces up to five years in prison if convicted.

As a result of such incidents, prosecutors say Will County State's Attorney James Glasgow is crafting new state legislation that would specifically identify swatting as a felony. His proposal would require defendants found guilty of swatting to pay back municipalities for calling out their emergency responders.