Posted on 04/30/2010 12:21:13 PM PDT by SmithL
KNOXVILLE A federal jury this afternoon convicted Sarah Palin e-mail intruder David C. Kernell of felony destruction of records to hamper a federal investigation and misdemeanor unlawfully obtaining information from a protected computer.
The jury acquitted Kernell, 22, of wire fraud.
It remains deadlocked on felony identity theft.
Its unclear if U.S. District Judge Thomas W. Phillips will order the jurors, in their fourth day of deliberations, to continue.
(Excerpt) Read more at knoxnews.com ...
Proud to have ya. Ya'll come back now, y'hear?
He was convicted on counts three and four.
Charges, possible sentence
Count one: identity theft
Maximum five years in prison
$250,000 fine
Three years supervised release
Count two: wire fraud
Maximum 20 years in prison
$250,000 fine
Five years supervised release
Count three: unlawful computer access
Maximum five years in prison
$250,000 fine
Three years supervised release
Lesser included misdemeanor offense on count three carries a maximum of one year in prison
Count four: obstruction of justice
Maximum 20 years in prison
$250,000 fine
Five years supervised release
With more than 20 years prison as the maximum, I would be appalled (but not amazed) if he didn’t have to go to prison for at least two years.
Here is a statement that Sarah just released
My family and I are thankful that the jury thoroughly and carefully weighed the evidence and issued a just verdict. Besides the obvious invasion of privacy and security concerns surrounding this issue, many of us are concerned about the integrity of our countrys political elections. Americas elections depend upon fair competition. Violating the law, or simply invading someones privacy for political gain, has long been repugnant to Americans sense of fair play. As Watergate taught us, we rightfully reject illegally breaking into candidates private communications for political intrigue in an attempt to derail an election.
“I want to thank the public servants who worked so hard on this case, particularly the jurors who gave up precious time from their jobs and families to listen to the evidence and reach a decision.
My family and I appreciate the good people of Knoxville, Tennessee, who showed us true Southern hospitality. We cant wait to visit again but without having a subpoena in hand. “
- Sarah Palin
By Wade Payne, AP | |
David Kernell, right, leaves the Federal Courthouse with his mother, Lt. Col. Lillian Landrigan, behind left, and attorney Wade Davies, front left, Ton Thursday in Knoxville. |
Because of his age, looks, apparent softness plus the high political profile of his daddy he'll be placed in segregated quarters if he does any hard time at all.
Law enforcement will not chance anything happening to him. This is okay with me as long as he does time. Sarah doesn't need her name coupled with anything sordid that may be connected with this creep's time in prison....and he can fade into the memory hole as far as I'm concerned.
Congrats to Sarah for her stick-to-it-iveness.....something other spineless politicians may have shied away from. Justice was served.
Leni
He was convicted on counts three and four.
Charges, possible sentence
Count one: identity theft
Maximum five years in prison
$250,000 fine
Three years supervised release
Count two: wire fraud
Maximum 20 years in prison
$250,000 fine
Five years supervised release
Count three: unlawful computer access
Maximum five years in prison
$250,000 fine
Three years supervised release
Lesser included misdemeanor offense on count three carries a maximum of one year in prison
Count four: obstruction of justice
Maximum 20 years in prison
$250,000 fine
Five years supervised release
Wasn’t he found guilty of the lesser misdemeanor offense of the unlawful computer access? Which only allows a maximum of one year in prison for that charge?
Homeland Security
He’ll do time on the OJ charge. Judges seriously frown on that.
TOTALLY agree with you on that. I guess we’ll see what the judge decides.
Does anyone know the MINIMUM on Felony Obstruction, or does the judge have a lot of leeway in the sentencing on this charge?
Agreed. Do you know if there is anything like a mandatory minimum on these charges, or are those ONLY reserved for drug charges?
Yes, but is there a MINIMUM sentence the judge MUST give him? If not the kid could get out on probation with a large fine instead (especially considering who his father is).
I don’t know that there is a minimum:
Count four: obstruction of justice
Maximum 20 years in prison
$250,000 fine
Five years supervised release
Thanks, I appreciate it. Have looked back through the posts and see I’m not the only one asking! Sorry about that! :)
There’s hope, he’ll do the right thing.
The judge is a Tennessee native and likely a Republican, not a democrat. He’s a Vandy grad, former JAG and appointed by GWB.
Sweet. There is hope! That is good news... Thanks for sharing that with me. I didn’t know that about the judge. (Haven’t followed this as closely as I would have liked)
The act of changing her password while signed on using her identity constitutes identity theft, plain and simple.
- JP
Yes, and he graduated from Vandy in ‘69, so he’s not a young judge looking to make a name for himself on Sarah’s back. I will pray tonight that he does right by the jury’s verdict and by Sarah who suffered because of this smart-ass punk.
I’ll be joining you in those prayers — and for the jurors as well that they can come to some resolution on the final charge they are deadlocked on.
Do you have any idea what happens if the jury ends up “hung” on that other charge? Do their other verdicts stick, or is it a mistrial?
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