University Times

One of a pair of Ohio men accused of making cyberthreats against the University pleaded not guilty on Tuesday in federal court in Pittsburgh.

Alexander Waterland, 24, of Loveland, Ohio, was arrested June 20 and charged with conspiracy in connection with threats against the University made via YouTube. (See June 28 University Times.)

Brett Hudson, 26, of Hillsboro, Ohio, was indicted Aug. 15 as a co-conspirator. He is scheduled to appear in court Sept. 6.

The two, who are expected to be tried together, each face a maximum of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

The men are accused of claiming to be associated with the computer hacking group Anonymous and of threatening to release confidential information from the University’s computer servers if Pitt did not post on its web site an apology for failing to keep the data safe. The posted threats came in late April and early May, amid heightened tensions on the Pittsburgh campus following bomb threats that disrupted the campus in March and April.

Prosecutor Jimmy Kitchen, assistant U.S. attorney, told Judge Maureen P. Kelly that the government’s evidence includes 20-25 FBI reports, electronic evidence from seized cell phones and computer hard drives and electronic documents obtained through subpoenas.

Waterland’s attorney, Anthony M. Bittner, requested that the judge modify the conditions of Waterland’s release, which include a ban on Internet access, saying Bittner is unemployed and needs Internet access to aid his job search.

Kitchen said he did not object as long as Waterland’s computer activity is monitored. Judge Kelly said she would be amenable to the request, subject to the availability of adequate monitoring. She admonished Waterland to use the privilege, if granted, “in a constructive and responsible manner.”

Bittner had no comment as he and Waterland left the courtroom.

—Kimberly K. Barlow