Thibodaux Man Charged with Hacking ICloud, Facebook, and Email Accounts of over 50 Victims

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that BRADER YELVERTON, age 24, of Thibodaux, was charged today in a one-count Bill of Information with obtaining unauthorized access to protected computers to acquire information.

According to the Bill of Information, between about 2013 and December 15, 2015, YELVERTON obtained access to the personal Apple iCloud, Facebook, and email accounts of not fewer than fifty victims, many of whom resided within the Eastern District of Louisiana, without their knowledge or authorization.  After accessing the accounts, YELVERTON acquired copies of the contents, including personal photographs and other private information.  According to the Bill of Information, the collective value of the information YELVERTON obtained without authorization was more than $5,000. 

If convicted, YELVERTON faces a maximum term of imprisonment of up to five years in prison, followed by up to three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.

U.S. Attorney Polite reiterated that the Bill of Information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg is in charge of the prosecution.