14 DAY TRIAL // Police officers are investigating an attempted hacking incident that took place at the Hazleton Area Career Center, a school in the town of Hazleton, Pennsylvania.
Three weeks ago, the school's IT staff brought an issue to the attention of school Superintendent Dr. Craig Butler. IT staff revealed they found evidence of a student that tried to hack into the school's Wi-Fi network using an illegally acquired wireless key.
Student had evidence on his phone linking him to Anonymous
School officials said they were able to track down the intrusion to one of the school's students. They called the student into the superintendent's office for questioning and asked to see his phone.
The student agreed to allow school officials to see his phone. Officials said they've found suspicious evidence that the student had associated online with the Anonymous hacktivism group.
In a statement made to local newspaper Standard Speaker, the school's superintendent described Anonymous as "not a well-intending group," but also agreed that he does not know much about them either.
The superintendent also said that at no time the student managed to breach the school's network, let alone view sensitive information or change grades.
Student is the subject of an official investigation
In the meantime, the student was punished according to school procedures, and local police were notified, who also asked for the help of state police to investigate the matter.
US police don't seem to take kindly to Anonymous members, and the student might be facing a steep legal battle just for this small incident.
Only recently, former Reuters journalist Matthew Keys was found guilty and sentenced for aiding Anonymous hack the LA Times website. His role was minor, and he didn't carry out any of the attacks, but he still got two years in prison, pending an appeal.