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Ex-teacher’s sentencing delayed in ‘celebgate’ hacking case

Dec 19, 2018 | 9:00 AM

RICHMOND, Va. — Sentencing has been delayed for a former Virginia teacher who pleaded guilty in the 2014 “celebgate” scandal in which hackers obtained nude photographs and other private information from more than 200 people, including celebrities.

The Richmond Times-Dispatch reports that a federal court judge on Monday moved 31-year-old Christopher Brannan’s sentencing date from Jan. 25 to March 1. Brannan’s lawyer said the probation office needed more time to interview Brannan for the presentence investigation report.

Brannan pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft and unauthorized access to a protected computer in October. His plea deal recommends a sentence of under three years.

The former Lee-Davis High School special needs teacher is the fifth person charged in the scandal.

Prosecutors haven’t released targets’ names, but actress Jennifer Lawrence has acknowledged she was a victim.

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Information from: Richmond Times-Dispatch, http://www.richmond.com

The Associated Press

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