A former healthcare worker, Trent Russell, 34, from Bellevue, Nebraska, has been sentenced to two years in prison for illegally accessing the health records of the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Russell, who worked as a transplant coordinator for the Washington Regional Transplant Community, was convicted of unauthorized access and tampering with health records. Although acquitted of publishing false information online about Ginsburg's status, his actions occurred amid public speculation concerning her health.
During the trial, prosecutors revealed that Russell shared the sensitive information on conspiracy forums trafficking in antisemitic theories, but his motivations remained unexplained. He notably provided unconvincing alibis, even suggesting his cat accidentally accessed the records. "He offered completely implausible excuses with a straight face," emphasized prosecutor Zoe Bedell. Judge Michael Nachmanoff criticized Russell's actions as "truly despicable conduct" and noted his dishonest behavior during investigations worsened the situation.
Despite defense claims highlighting Russell's previous contributions as a transplant coordinator and his military service, the court sentenced him to 24 months in custody. Russell's lawyer, Charles Burnham, argued for probation, describing his client as having "lived a quietly heroic life" and attributing his crime to "being stupid." He has not announced any plans to appeal. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
,
uBlock 
,
and
Ghostery 
)
