Matthew Keys, Reuters Journalist, Charged with Conspiring With Anonymous

Deputy social media editor at media group Thomson Reuters, Matthew Keys has been charged in a federal indictment for conspiring with members of the hacker group Anonymous. Keys is a 26-year old from Secaucus, New Jersey. According to a press release by the Department of Justice, the case was investigated by the Sacramento and Los Angeles FBI Field Offices. 

The indictment indicates that Keys provided log-in credentials to the Tribune Company server after contacting members of the hacker group over a website. Keys encouraged Anonymous members to disrupt the company website which in at least one case resulted in changes to a Los Angeles Times news feature.

According to the Department of Justice, if Keys is convicted he can face a fine of $250,000 for each count and up to 10 years in prison. He is facing counts of conspiracy to transmit information to damage a protected computer, transmitting information to damage a protected computer, and attempted transmission of information to damage a protected computer.  

The story is still developing, but you can read the full indictment here.