Greenville, SOUTH CAROLINA

ARRESTED
Greenville County councilman Tony Trout (R) was arrested in October 2008, charged with unauthorized access of computers for planting spyware on Greenville County Administrator Joe Kernell's computer.

CONVICTED
He was convicted by a jury in April 2009 on the charges of unlawful access to computers, distribution of information and intercepting emails. He was found not guilty of destroying evidence.

SENTENCED
November 11, 2009 - He was sentenced to 1 day and 1 year in jail and three years of probation.

He said he wished he would have researched federal laws before doing any of this. He still has his blog on Greenville County corruption online. His bio reveals that he might know a thing or two about laws. He is president of Pro-Teck Security Services and says he has an extensive background in safety and security. Prior to forming his company, Mr. Trout served as a police officer for 13 years.