Christopher Chaney
Christopher Chaney going into Jacksonville's federal courthouse
Christopher Chaney going into Jacksonville's federal courthouse
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The suspect behind the Hollywood hacking scandal said he's concerned for his mother.
"I worry about her the most," Christopher Chaney said this afternoon, marking his first public statements since a nebulous, "I'm sorry," the day of his arrest.
Chaney, 35, waived his removal hearing in federal court this morning, which essentially means he is admitting he is the person named in the indictment charging him with 26 counts related to identity theft and hacking.
"I am very sorry for all of this," he said, apologizing to his parents and neighbors, who "just want to live their lives."
Chaney left most of the talking to attorney Christopher Chestnut, who said since he's new to the case, he plans to "continue to analyze the indictment."
Chaney was indicted in California Tuesday and arrested at his Westside Jacksonville home Wednesday. According to a statement from the FBI, the victims identified in the indictment are: Simone Harouche, Mila Kunis, Christina Aguilera, Scarlett Johansson, Renee Olstead, B.P., J.A., L.B., L.S., D.F., and B.G.
He is accused of hacking into the private files of celebrities, notably posting online naked pictures of actress Scarlett Johansson that were on her phone.
Following his arrest, Chaney was freed on $1,000 bond and ordered to stay with his parents, also in Jacksonville.
Thus far, the only comment Chaney has offered has been, "I'm sorry," but it was not specific.
Walking into federal court in downtown Jacksonville this morning, he first encountered a First Coast News crew, then a mob of reporters. He didn't flinch or say a word.
Though Chaney has been assigned a federal public defender, private attorney Chestnut was walking with him into the courthouse.
"No comment," was all Chestnut said this morning.
As they left the hearing, Chestnut told First Coast News reporter Jackelyn Barnard, "This is going to be a very long process, very complex."
Chestnut didn't have much more to say this afternoon, though he said he expects Chaney to undergo a psychiatric evaluation.
Chaney's next court appearance will be in California Nov. 1. That court hearing will determine if he remains free or must stay in jail.
Chestnut said they have contacted and retained counsel in California.
If convicted on all 26 counts, Chaney faces up to 121 years in prison.
Chestnut said he was evaluating the severity of those charges.
"People who murder kids don't get 120 years," he said.
First Coast News