The man who hacked Scarlett Johansson’s email account before posting nude snaps of her online has pleaded guilty for his actions and could now face 60 years in prison.
Hacker Christopher Chaney, 35, admitted unauthorised computer access, wire-tapping and other felony charges in the Los Angeles federal court.
He now faces up to 60 years in prison and will remain in custody until sentencing on 23 July.
Under a plea bargain, Chaney could also be forced to pay restitution to his victims, as well as a fine of up to $2.2million (£1.65million).
In September last year, Scarlett’s personal email account was hacked by Chaney and two pictures of her taken on her mobile phone while posing semi-naked were leaked online.
One showed her standing naked in front of a mirror with only a bed-sheet covering her modesty while she stood back and took the snap.
Another appeared to be a topless shot of her laying back on a bed showing her breasts while seductively staring into the camera.
Scarlett later admitted the photos of her were intended for her husband at the time, actor Ryan Reynolds.
The FBI were called in to investigate after the photos appeared on numerous online gossip sites.
Chaney admitted hacking the email accounts of more than 50 celebrities, including Christina Aguilera, Vanessa Hudgens and Mila Kunis.
He was arrested in October 2011 after an 11-month investigation by the FBI named Operation Hackerazzi.
Speaking after today’s hearing at the LA court, prosecutor Andre Birotte Jr said: ‘Today’s guilty pleas shine a bright light on the dark underworld of computer hacking.
‘This case demonstrates that everyone, even public figures, should take precautions to shield their personal information from the hackers that inhabit that dark underworld.’
Earlier this month, the We Bought A Zoo actress admitted feeling ‘violated’ and ‘vulnerable’ after the hacking incident.
Scarlett said: ‘It was really terrible; I felt absolutely violated. I wasn’t really aware of how vulnerable all of us are, but I think everybody is just discovering that now, especially with the recent phone-hacking scandals.
‘It isn’t just celebrities, it’s all kinds of people who are not asking for the spotlight. Being hacked made me feel more vulnerable than I ever had previously. I couldn’t figure it out.’
PICTURE: Watch a trailer for Scarlett’s new film We Bought A Zoo
