DENVER -- The computer that sent a hoax e-mail saying that the Columbus Day parade has been canceled has been traced to a computer on the campus of the University of Colorado Denver, 7NEWS has learned.

The computer was sitting in a public kiosk, and could have been accessed by a student, staff or faculty member or visitors passing by, the university said.

Denver police have seized the computer and will conduct a forensic analysis to determine who may have sent the hoax e-mail. The person could face fraud and identity theft charges.

UCD officials said they are taking this matter very seriously, saying the incident qualifies as unauthorized use of campus computers.

The bogus press release, issued Thursday to Denver media outlets, was sent in the name of Richard SaBell, president of the Sons of Italy Columbus Day Parade Committee. It said the annual Oct. 10 parade was canceled due to lack of funding.

The e-mail came from a Yahoo e-mail address in SaBell's name and left a phone number with a fake voicemail.

"Sorry to inform you, but due to financial difficulties, the 2009 parade has been canceled," the voicemail said.

7NEWS took the e-mail to computer expert Greg Cann with Accelerated Network Solutions in Centennial.

"That message originated from a work station on the University of Colorado Denver campus," Cann determined.

7NEWS notified UCD, which launched an investigation and found the computer that was used. Coincidentally, some of the strongest opposition to the parade in the past has had connections to UCD.

When contacted by phone SaBell said, "This whole thing is bogus. The parade was never off."

SaBell was angered to learn that the hoax was so elaborate, even several news agencies reported that the parade was canceled. The Columbus Day parade has always stirred protests and emotions but he said this year, someone went too far.

"This is a violation of me as an individual and frankly, it's illegal," SaBell said. "This type of harassment is unacceptable and illegal."

Many of the protesters, who are Native Americans, have condemned Christopher Columbus for what they believe were atrocities committed in the 15th century.

About 240 people accused of disrupting the parade were arrested in 2004. They were found not guilty or had their cases dismissed.

In previous protests, they have called Columbus "America's first terrorist" and say his explorations touched off centuries of oppression and genocide. The protestors believe the Columbus Day holiday celebrates a slave trader and the wholesale slaughter of Native Americans.

Columbus Day parade organizers say the celebration has become part of Italian-American culture and heritage.

Colorado has observed Columbus Day since 1907 and is credited with being first to make the day a state holiday. Columbus Day has since become a federal holiday.

SaBell said some 200 people are expected to participate in this year's parade, with thousands more likely to watch. He said the group spends up to $10,000 putting on the event each year, a tab underwritten in part by bocce tournaments.

"We do this every year. It's not going away," he said of the parade.

Parade organizers are hoping their only opposition Saturday is Mother Nature.

The parade starts at 10 a.m. at 15th Street and Court Place and ends at Civic Center Park.