Ex-Anchor Gets 6 Months for Hacking Colleague's Email

A former Philadelphia news anchor has been sentenced to 6 months' house arrest for hacking into a colleague's email, reports the Inquirer. Larry Mendte admitted he logged in to co-anchor Alycia Lane's email hundreds of times and leaked information about her to gossip publications. He apologized yesterday to Lane, who sat in the courtroom, her lip quivering, and told the judge he was ashamed.

Lane, who was fired by the station after the rumors spread by Mendte were published, had no comment. She is suing both Mendte and the station. The judge ordered Mendte—who blamed his behavior on a personal feud with his co-anchor stemming from their "flirtatious and improper" relationship—to stay away from Lane, pay a $5,000 fine, and continue undergoing psychological counseling. The judge also announced that federal authorities will continue to monitor Mendte's computer. (More Larry Mendte stories.)