A listening device?
Laine Hardy recently revealed that a warrant was issued for his arrest, and while he declined to comment on the allegations at hand, he admitted that he was cooperating with police.
However, up until now, what he’s being accused of remained a mystery.
According to New York Post, the American Idol winner was arrested for planting a listening device in a female student’s residence at Louisiana State University.
And LSU spokesman confirmed Hardy’s arrest in a statement to The Post:
“Lane Reed Hardy (Non-LSU student) was arrested by LSU Police today and booked into East Baton Rouge Parish Prison for violation of 15:1303 — Interception and Disclosure of Wire, Electronic, or Oral Communication.
His arrest warrant has been filed with clerk of court.”
The crime carries a maximum sentence of up to ten years in prison, and a fine of $10,000.
According to WAFB, the female student and her roommate found a recording device inside their dorm room at Azalea Hall on the LSU campus on April 6th, 2022. She told police she found the recording device, under her futon, and that she had been in a prior relationship with Hardy.
Police found evidence that Hardy had secret recordings made from earlier this year.
The French Settlement, Louisiana, native turned himself in to the LSU Police Department on Friday morning. He has since been booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison:
He issued a statement last night:
“Earlier today, I received a warrant due to allegations made against me and have been fully cooperative with the Louisiana State University Police Department.
I understand that my career has thrust me into the public spotlight, and I embrace that wholeheartedly as my entire world belongs to my music and my fans.
However, due to the sensitive nature of this allegation, I humbly ask for privacy at this time. I have the utmost respect for the law and will assist in their investigation as needed moving forward.”
Laine won Season 17 of American Idol back in 2019, and recently released his debut studio album this past fall.
