TITLE 18. CRIMES AND CRIMINAL PROCEDURE § 2701. Unlawful access to stored communications, 18 USCS § 2701
Summary
(a) Offense. Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section whoever—
and thereby obtains, alters, or prevents authorized access to a wire or electronic communication while it is in electronic storage in such system shall be punished as provided in subsection (b) of this section.
(b) Punishment. The punishment for an offense under subsection (a) of this section is—
(1) if the offense is committed for purposes of commercial advantage, malicious destruction or damage, or private commercial gain, or in furtherance of any criminal or tortious act in violation of the Constitution or laws of the United States or any State—