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Palin Says Email Hacker Should Face 'Consequences'

Ex-governor says breach caused a 'disruption'

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 23, 2010 2:30 PM CDT

(Newser) – Sarah Palin took the stand today to testify about the hacking of her Yahoo email account, allegedly by a former Tennessee college student, and described the breach to a packed courthouse as a "disruption" both of her family life and the 2008 presidential campaign. Palin said she found out about the hacking on the news when she saw "a picture of my kids on the television screen," the Knoxville News Sentinel reports. "It caused a huge disruption in the campaign," she said.

Asked if the alleged hacker, David Kernell, now 22, should get prison time or community service, Palin said it was "up to the judge." "I do think there should be consequences for bad behavior," she added. Kernell faces up to 50 years for identity theft, mail fraud, and two other felony charges resulting from what his lawyer says was a prank, not a crime.

Former Alaska governor Sarah Palin speaks to media outside the Federal Courthouse after court recessed for lunch Friday, April 23, 2010 in Knoxville, Tenn.
Former Alaska governor Sarah Palin speaks to media outside the Federal Courthouse after court recessed for lunch Friday, April 23, 2010 in Knoxville, Tenn.   (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Former Alaska governor Sarah Palin speaks to media outside the Federal Courthouse after court recessed for lunch Friday, April 23, 2010 in Knoxville, Tenn.
Former Alaska governor Sarah Palin speaks to media outside the Federal Courthouse after court recessed for lunch Friday, April 23, 2010 in Knoxville, Tenn.   (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 52 comments
Michele20
Apr 26, 2010 10:14 AM CDT
I do not care for Sarah Palin at all but please let's not forget that what this kid did was wrong, wrong, wrong. How would anyone of us feel if we were hacked?? At the same time, I feel it would be a travesty to imprison this young man. There are murderers and rapists who don't get 50 years. After Ms. Palin expressed how much the hacker damaged her campaign she should have asked the judge to be lenient. Probation and/or community service would be far more acceptable.
hubydane
Apr 26, 2010 12:20 AM CDT
I wonder if he'd even get community service if it was a nobody in BFE he hacked.
DontLikeYou___
Apr 25, 2010 4:34 AM CDT
This lib should have considered the risks of getting butt raped in prison before he assaulted this wonderful families tranquility. Let this be a lesson to liberals who stir up political hatreds. You will pay for your anger and violent rhetoric.

 
Yahoo • email • hacking • college student • Election 2008 • Sarah Palin • McCain-Palin • David Kernell • email hacking • Sarah Palin emails

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