Hacker Who Leaked Nude Photos of Scarlett Johansson Sentenced to 10 Years
Christopher Chaney, a 35-year-old Florida resident who hacked into email accounts belonging to Scarlett Johansson, Mila Kunis, Christina Aguilera and others, was sentenced to 10 years in prison today. Earlier this year, Chaney pled guilty to nine felonies, including charges of theft and wiretapping.
Prosecutors originally sought a six-year sentence, but U.S. District Judge S. James Otero raised it to 10 years, saying Chaney had shown a "callous disregard" for the the privacy of others.
"It's hard to fathom the mindset of a person who would accomplish all of this," Otero said. "These types of crimes are as pernicious and serious as physical stalking."
The sentencing occurred after the court watched a videotaped statement from an emotional Johansson. "I have been truly humiliated and embarrassed," she said, apparently crying. "I find Christopher Chaney's actions to be perverted and reprehensible."
The Associated Press also noted that Johansson's nude photos were intended for Ryan Reynolds, her then-husband, just in case you were wondering.
Kunis and Aguilera waived protection of their identity in order to draw attention to the case, with Aguilera telling the court last week: "That feeling of security can never be given back and there is no compensation that can restore the feeling one has from such a large invasion of privacy."
Actress and singer Renee Olstead also testified Monday, telling the court she attempted suicide after Chaney leaked her nude photos. "I just really hope this doesn't happen to someone else," she said. "You can lose everything because of the actions of a stranger."
Last year, Chaney apologized for his actions (without admitting any guilt), blaming them on his "addiction" to spying on celebrities.
Once he is released, Chaney will face three years of supervised probation, which will include notifying authorities of his online activities. That, however, wasn't enough for Judge Ortero, who said he wished he could sentence Chaney to a "lifetime supervision, " and for good reason; after Chaney was first arrested, he continued pursuing his victims, even though the FBI had confiscated his computer.
[Image via AP]