Hmmm,

Looking at the case I would say that the College/Police have screwed up.

1. I don't see how sending an offensive e-mail is a criminal offence. Sure I would imagine it violates the AUP/Code of Conduct or whatever, but that is an internal discipline issue.

2. There does not seem to be any prima facie case for
"Obtaining computer services by Fraud or Misrepresentation"
3. Altering student grades is certainly a criminal offence, but where is the evidence?

The uncorroborated allegations of one of the parties to a dispute would certainly not be acceptable over here. Anyway, how difficult would it be for the College to check if any grades have been illegally altered?

If they haven't then the witness is totally discredited? If they have then you have to prove who did it.

As for illegal downloads and cracks that is more a matter for the owners of the IP, although it might also fall foul of the AUP.

I would guess that the EFF are on a winner with this one