Gizmodo Not Charged in Apple iPhone 4 Prototype Purchase

Gizmodo Editor Jason Chen and the iPhone 4 prototype — Gizmodo Editor in chief Jason Chen and the iPhone 4 prototype

A Calif. DA's office has decided non to campaign charges against either Gizmodo or former Gizmodo editor Jason Chen for purchasing an iPhone 4 paradigm in Demonstrate 2010 and exposing it to the world.

I know, you've been earshot rumors about the iPhone 5 for goodbye that you probably father't true remember the iPhone 4–particularly not back when IT was just a top-secret prototype found in a bar.

Hera's a quick refresher: in March 2010, Apple engineer Gray Powell accidentally left his iPhone 4 prototype in a measure. A patron at the bar, Brian Hogan of Redwood City, picked up what he opinion was an iPhone 3GS. Hogan unsuccessful to return the device to Colin luther Powell (checking the phone to see the owner's Facebook page), but discovered the device had been bricked the next morning. Hogan then inspected the gimmick, discovered information technology wasn't an iPhone 3GS, and contacted Apple to return it.

When Apple didn't respond to Hogan's attempts, Hogan then got his admirer, Sage Wallower, to shop at the gimmick around to gadget blogs and tech publications. Gizmodo picked up the gimmick and paid Hogan/Wallower a nifty substance of $5000. Then Gizmodo promulgated an exposé of what it believed to be the new iPhone 4 on its blog, and all Hades broke loose. It ultimately culminated in Gizmodo being investigated, and Chen's home bas being raided.

The Culmination

Well, nowadays Gizmodo is acquiring off scot-free–Gawker Media, Gizmodo's parent company, posted an established statement on the matter Wednesday:

"We are pleased that the District Lawyer of San Mateo County, Steven Wagstaffe, has distinct, upon review of all of the evidence, that no crime was committed by the Gizmodo team in relation to its reporting happening the iPhone 4 prototype last class. While we have always believed that we were acting fully within the law, it has inevitably been nerve-wracking for the editor concerned, Jason Chen, and we are glad that we can finally put this matter behind us."

Ben Hogan, 22, and Wallower, 28, aren't thus hot, however–both have been polar with misdemeanors. Hogan has been negatively charged with misappropriation of lost property, while Wallower has been charged with both misappropriation of lost property and possession of stolen belongings.

Hogan's attorney, Jeffrey Bornstein, issued a statement Wed in reaction to the charge filed against his guest:

"Although we do not believe that charges of any kind should have been filed, Brian fully accepts responsibility for his actions. We are working cooperatively with the District Attorney to resolve this misdemeanor charge readily."

Hogan and Wallower are scheduled to be arraigned connected August 25.

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