With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support 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.
Scarlett Johansson's Nude Photo Hacker Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison
Scarlett Johansson (cinemafestival / Shutterstock.com)
()
The man responsible for hacking into the private accounts of Scarlett Johansson, Mila Kunis, Christina Aguilera and scores of other celebrities has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, reports the Associated Press.
Christopher Chaney, 35, was sentenced today in Los Angeles by U.S. District Judge S. James Otero.
Chaney had plead guilty to charges that included "wiretapping and unauthorized access to a computer," reports the news site. In addition to the celebrities, he was accused of hacking into the accounts of two co-workers and sending nude or revealing pictures of them to their relatives -- a charge that he denies.
But Chaney did not deny violating the privacy of the rich and famous, saying:
Support for LAist comes from
"I don't know what else to say other than I'm sorry...I could be sentenced to never use a computer again and I wouldn't care."
In addition to his jail time, Chaney faces three years of supervised probation. He'll also have to alert authorities to any online accounts.
Kunis, Aguilera and Johansson went public with their stories in order to draw attention to the case. It wasn't long after Johansson admitted her involvement that the FBI became involved, and Chaney was arrested.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
What do stairs have to do with California’s housing crisis? More than you might think, says this Culver City councilmember. -
Yes, it's controversial, but let me explain. -
Doctors say administrator directives allow immigration agents to interfere in medical decisions and compromise medical care. -
The Palisades Fire erupted on Jan. 7 and went on to kill 12 people and destroy more than 6,800 homes and buildings. -
People moving to Los Angeles are regularly baffled by the region’s refrigerator-less apartments. They’ll soon be a thing of the past. -
Experts say students shouldn't readily forgo federal aid. But a California-only program may be a good alternative in some cases.
Best of LAist