The son of a Democratic Tennessee state lawmaker charged with hacking the e-mail account of Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin has pleaded not guilty.
David Kernell (kur-NEHL'), 20, of Knoxville, entered the plea in federal court in Knoxville on Wednesday. His father is longtime state Rep. Mike Kernell of Memphis.
David Kernell was released without posting bond, but the court imposed several conditions. Kernell, an economics student at the University of Tennessee, is not allowed to own a computer and can use the Internet only for checking e-mail and doing class work.
Trial is set for December 16th. Kernell faces a maximum of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and a three-year term of supervised release.