KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – A man accused of hacking the personal e-mail of former Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin is challenging warrants seeking records from Internet providers.
A hearing on the challenge by 22-year-old David C. Kernell is set Wednesday in Knoxville.
Kernell was accused while a University of Tennessee student of getting access to Palin’s e-mail account while she was John McCain’s running mate in 2008.
Kernell’s attorney, Wade Davies, contends in court filings that the magistrate did not have authority to issue warrants for Internet provider records outside the court district.
Kernell has pleaded not guilty to computer fraud and other charges.
A trial is set April 20.
Kernell’s father is Democratic state Rep. Michael Kernell of Memphis.