Deric Lostutter, as seen in July 2016. (credit: Deric Lostutter)

On Wednesday, a federal judge in Kentucky approved Deric Lostutter’s motion to plead guilty to two of four counts in a hacking case that has been stretched out over four years. As a result, he could face years in prison.

In July 2016, prosecutors formally accused Lostutter of hacking a Steubenville, Ohio high school football team website, as alleged retribution for shielding teenager rapists. Lostutter was indicted on four counts, including conspiracy and making a false statement to the FBI. 

Presumably, this means that counts two and three, which cite the notorious anti-hacking Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, will likely be dismissed as part of a plea deal.