Bahamian pleads not guilty to hacking into celebrities’ email to steal unreleased TV scripts

NEW YORK, N.Y. – A judge in New York says a Bahamian man charged with hacking into celebrities’ email accounts to steal unreleased movie and TV scripts and private sex tapes can be held without bail because he’s a flight risk.

Federal Manhattan Judge Paul Engelmayer made his ruling Friday on Alonzo Knowles after the lawyers argued over whether bail was appropriate.

Knowles pleaded not guilty to charges he violated copyright infringement and identity theft laws. The Freeport resident was arrested last month after meeting with an undercover federal agent. Prosecutors say Knowles had planned to sell 15 movie and television scripts for $80,000.

Lawyer Clay Kaminsky says his client is entitled to bail in part because he would face less than three years in prison if convicted. Outside court, Kaminsky declined to comment.