"Using the Internet to manipulate the stock market through spam e-mail campaigns is a serious crime, and this case serves notice that federal law enforcement has the both the capability and the will to successfully investigate, prosecute and punish such cybercrimes," Berg said. The pair's cohorts -- John Bown and William Neil -- also face stiff penalties. Under the terms of his plea agreement, Bown acknowledged he faces up to 63 months in prison and a $75,000 fine. Neil faces up to 37 months in prison and a $30,000 fine under the federal sentencing guidelines. A fifth man, James Fite, faces up to two years in prison and a $30,000 fine. The group is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct 29. Breuer said the prosecution is the largest to date under the CAN-SPAM Act and it underscores the agency's "strong and steadfast commitment to ridding our financial markets and cyberspace of e-fraudsters looking to prey on innocent victims."