Cops’, celebs’ private records posted online
Los Angeles police say they are investigating the online posting of private financial records of several celebrities and the department’s police chief.
A site posted what appear to be credit reports, Social Security numbers and other private details on police Chief Charlie Beck, FBI Director Robert Mueller and stars such as Jay-Z and Oscar-winner Mel Gibson.
The site did not state why each person was targeted.
Commander Andrew Smith said private information about high-ranking police officials has been posted at least twice before.
Police suspect the information was taken from what is supposed to be a secure city database.
The FBI says it is aware of the site, but would not confirm it is investigating.
Boy admits ‘swatting’ Kutcher
Prosecutors say a 12-year-old boy has admitted making a prank 911 call that drew police to Ashton Kutcher’s home.
The Los Angeles district attorney’s office says the boy admitted responsibility for making a false bomb threat and computer intrusion. He will be sentenced at a later date.
Prosecutors say the boy is also accused of making false 911 calls involving Justin Bieber’s house and a bank. Those charges will likely be dismissed, but the district attorney’s office says the allegations will be considered when the boy is sentenced.
The boy’s identity has not been released.
His calls are known as “swatting.” The pranks are intended to draw large police responses, including SWAT teams.
Baldwin tax deal avoids jail time
Stephen Baldwin will avoid jail and will have up to five years to pay $350,000 in back taxes and penalties, his lawyer said Monday.
Attorney Russell Yankwitt said he and prosecutors tentatively agreed that Baldwin, youngest of the four acting Baldwin brothers, will admit in court this month that he repeatedly failed to file his New York state income tax returns.
Baldwin, 46, who starred in 1995’s “The Usual Suspects” and is currently on television in “All-Star Celebrity Apprentice,” is accused of skipping his 2008, 2009 and 2010 returns. When he was arrested in December, the district attorney said Baldwin could face up to four years in prison if convicted. But at Monday’s closed-door conference at the Rockland County Courthouse, “The district attorney’s office and the judge made it very clear that Mr. Baldwin will not be going to prison,” Yankwitt said. “If Mr. Baldwin can’t work, he can’t pay back his back taxes.”
The birthday bunch
Playwright Edward Albee is 85. Actress Barbara Feldon is 80. Actress-singer Liza Minnelli is 67. Singer-songwriter James Taylor is 65. Actor Jon Provost (“Lassie”) is 63. Singer Marlon Jackson (The Jackson Five) is 56. Actor Aaron Eckhart is 45.