Mayoral candidate Bob Gatt's email hacked by opponent's campaign volunteer
November 2, 2011 DET NEWS  FREEP  NEWS 4  NBC
 
Novi, Mich. —  What had been a respectful, smooth campaign season in Novi took a decidedly negative turn in the past week. That's when Mayoral candidate and current Novi Mayor Pro-Tem Bob Gatt discovered that his personal email account had been twice hacked and private information accessed, with some emails apparently being forwarded to others, by his opponent's campaign "marketing manager."

Gatt said in a written statement, "Recently I discovered that my personal email address had been broken into. Private family email messages as well as sensitive campaign material were downloaded, read and forwarded in an attempt to influence the outcome of the upcoming election. I was distressed to learn that that my opponent [Novi City Council Member] Justin Fischer’s [campaign] marketing manager was behind this violation of my privacy. The individual has confessed to this serious criminal act."

In Michigan, unauthorized access of computer systems is felony, and can result in up to 5 years in prison and/or fines up to $10,000.

The campaign volunteer who accessed Gatt's email account admitted to Gatt in person what he had done, and apologized. Gatt indicates the volunteer told him that the emails were forwarded in an attempt to embarrass him because the Fischer campaign was "getting creamed."

Following the confession, Gatt contacted Fischer, who also apologized. Fischer stated in a letter to Gatt, "It has come to my attention that your email account was accessed, without your knowledge, by an individual who has supported my campaign from a marketing standpoint. I had no knowledge of these events, or participation in them in any capacity."

Fischer went on to say that, "Any volunteer that works on my campaign is an extension of my candidacy, and because of that, I truly apologize for these events and the impact they have had upon you. I would never condone any action of this nature, and words cannot express my extreme disappointment to learn of this incident. I assure you that this individual is no longer involved in my campaign, nor will they be involved in any future political endeavors that I may pursue."

The Novi Police Department was not involved in the case, and officials indicate that they are not aware of any other significant email hacking cases such as this in the City's history. Gatt is a retired Novi Police Department Sergeant.

Gatt stated he does not intended to press charges, and has taken the appropriate steps to ensure the security of his personal email account.

"Despite the pain and damage the Fischer campaign has caused, I have chosen not to seek criminal charges. Instead, I have chosen to drop this matter so that I can focus on the future and continue serving the people of Novi. I am proud of the campaign I have run, just as I have been proud to serve the people of Novi for nearly 40 years. I will continue to serve them honorably, honestly and to the best of my ability should they choose me as their mayor on November 8th," stated Gatt.