Prominent Hacker Gets Arrested, Raided by Feds

[Michael Essany]

On Monday, MMi chronicled how Escher Auernheimer, the Goatse Security boss, took aim at AT&T with an angry public letter addressing the carrier's suggestion that his company is teeming with "malicious" hackers. As it turns out, only hours later, Auernheimer would have an even bigger problem on his hands than the accusations from AT&T.

You see, on his hands were handcuffs. Auernheimer - AKA "Weev" - quickly made the transition from "good guy" who uncovered the AT&T-iPad security flaw, to the "bad guy" who had his home raided by authorities. Now, in case you're wondering, this has nothing to do with a lost or stolen iPhone 4. Although it isn't yet clear what exactly prompted the FBI search warrant, we do know what was uncovered: drugs. And, apparently, lots of them - cocaine, ecstasy, LSD, etc.

Auernheimer is now facing some four felony charges of possession of a controlled substance. Tossed into the mix is one misdemeanor possession charge. Today, the blogosphere is buzzing with conspiracy theories about whether or not the raid and search was somehow inspired by AT&T or Apple - although there is no evidence to suggest such at this time. But the alleged security breach acknowledged by AT&T was such that it isn't unreasonable that the feds could be looking into those who initially exposed the weakness.

Of course, the matter could ultimately prove to be totally unrelated to AT&T and Apple. After all, this isn't Auernheimer's first arrest. He was arrested as recently as this March for allegedly giving authorities a fake name when they responded to a parking complaint.

As reported by CNET, no bond or court date had been set. A hearing, however, is scheduled for this Friday, June 18th.

[kingbijan]

woow. you never know who's doing what behind the scenes. steve jobs is probably addicted to oxycontin

[lili4311]

Drugs are bad >

[Dayvidpriddy]

So that's where the LSD operation moved too...

[12jmartinez]

very bad

[thetoothfairy]

Its crazy how people are and what they do.... I have no use for anyone that does this kind of thing!

[asma123]

lol for all you know the drugs were planted by att or steve jobs in order to get this guy busted.

"money rules the world" and I'm sure with the money these guys got planting these drugs are no issue.

[myke580]

im wondering if steve jobs possibly planted these there? lol

[DJM AutoWerkz]

It's a conspiracy I tell u.

[clikzip]

Lmao, tries to make himself look like a hero. They raid his house and find loads of drugs. Thats classic

[Imsorussian]

Well the way feds operate if he really a smart guy and really can imrpess some of the feds tech brainiacs, then they will offer him a job or spend 25 in jail, he looks like a smart jewish boy guess what he will choose? I mean getting inmate " big jamal checking for prostate"? Or working for fbi. Tough one. Well lots of luck u tripin maniac

[Dash-2]

He wasn't addicted to drugs, he only did them when his random-number-generator hit 18006927753 (1-800-MY-APPLE)

[sunbeam83]

He possessed non-taxable drugs.

If you drink alcohol or coffee you 'do drugs.'

Shame that people are so narrow minded.

[kadernal]

probably just his stash for PH summer tour.

[ecd5000]

i smell conspiracy here too. he's probably going to be apples new security advisor!

[mortopher]

@thetoothfairy: could you please elaborate as to what you meant? Peopl who do what kinds of things?

[Jailbroken heart]

Dumba**! Any hacker who does something like that, shouldnt keep alot of drugs at their house. How far was he expecting to get?

[sziklassy]

lol for all you know the drugs were planted by att or steve jobs in order to get this guy busted.

"money rules the world" and I'm sure with the money these guys got planting these drugs are no issue.

This is the stupidest thing I have recently read here on MMI. Do you REALLY think a tech giant like Apple or a CEO like Steve Jobs would be stupid enough to think something like that is a good idea? I take a swing at Apple and Steve every chance I get, but your suggestions are simply ridiculous!

@thetoothfairy: could you please elaborate as to what you meant? Peopl who do what kinds of things?

I assume she means druggies, those who maliciously hack sites, etc, etc.

[AlexCrammer]

Okay so what does this have to do with Apple?

[1shuttle1]

This was totally done with Apple and AT&T's help. Apple provided the new phone and AT&T gave a years unlimited service to this guys mom. How else would they have found him living in her basement. He doesn't look like he gets out much.