This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Former OC Judge Sentenced to 27 Months of Prison For Having Kiddie Porn on his Computers
Former Orange County Superior Court judge, Ronald Kline, who pled guilty to four counts of having hundreds of images of child porn on his computers was given over two years in prison yesterday in an LA federal court.
When the decision was delivered the 66 year-old passed out, prompting emergency personnel to rush into the courtroom.
Kline had unsuccessfully petitioned the US Supreme Court to rule out the evidence found on his computers because it was discovered by computer hacker with aspirations of being a cop.
The investigation began after Bradley Willman, a Canadian hacker who saw himself as a computer cop, used a virus to gain access to Kline's home computer and download explicit diary excerpts about the judge's sexual desires, and more than 1,500 pornographic photos of young boys. Willman forwarded his findings to a Colorado-based Internet watchdog group, Pedowatch, which contacted Irvine police. Warrants were obtained months later that allowed searches of Kline's home and courthouse computers. - LAT
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
