A journalist accused of hacking into Fox News servers to obtain unaired videos of Tucker Carlson making unprofessional comments and interviewing Kanye West has asked for donations to pay for his defense.
Tim Burke, 45, was arrested on Thursday following an investigation into the leaked videos of the former Fox News superstar. His lawyers claim he used publicly available livestreaming sites where Fox News uploaded unencrypted footage.
The indictment accuses Burke and an unnamed co-conspirator of using compromised credentials to gain unauthorized access to protected computers and searching for incriminating videos. The leaked footage included hot mic moments published by Media Matters, where Carlson made controversial comments.
Burke’s lawyers argue that he found the videos on publicly available sites and accurately reported on them, stating that there was no crime committed. Burke, who runs his own communications company, faces multiple charges related to unauthorized computer access and intercepting communications.
Despite the charges, the Freedom of the Press Foundation has raised concerns about the indictment, stating that journalists should be encouraged to find newsworthy information online without fear of prosecution. Burke has been released on the condition that he stops contact with his alleged co-conspirator.