Lancaster, Pa., man charged in 'Celebgate' hacking scandal involving nude photos
(WHP) -- A Lancaster, Pennsylvania, man was charged Tuesday with felony computer hacking related to his alleged illegal access to over 100 email accounts, most belonging to celebrities.
Ryan Collins, 36, has agreed to plead guilty to a felony violation of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. Collins faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison, according to court records. However "the parties have agreed to recommend a prison term of 18 months, but that recommendation will not be binding on the sentencing judge," a release from the Department of Justice continues.
"Today, people store important private information in their online accounts and in their digital devices," United States Attorney Eileen M. Decker said in a release. "Lawless unauthorized access to such private information is a criminal offense. My Office remains committed to protecting sensitive and personal information from the malicious actions of sophisticated hackers and cyber criminals."
Authorities say between November 2012 and September 2014, Collins sent emails to victims that appeared to be from Google or Apple and asked them to provide usernames and passwords. With illegal access to numerous accounts, Collins obtained nude photographs and videos as well as personal information, according to a plea agreement.
Collins also used a software program to download the entire contents of the victims' Apple iCloud backups, documents state.
The charge is tied to the leaks of photographs of female celebrities in September 2014 known as "Celebgate." However, investigators do not have evidence linking Collins to the leaks at this time.
At least 50 iCloud accounts and 72 Gmail accounts were accessed, most of which were those of female celebrities, according to officials.
Collins' case was investigated by the FBI.
Collins has been charged in Los Angeles, however, the case will be transferred to Harrisburg for the entry of his guilty plea and sentencing.
Once Collins enters the guilty plea, he will face a statutory maximum sentence of five years in federal prison.
