Reuters fires Keys amid Anonymous-linked indictment

Matthew Keys, who has been indicted on charges he gave hacktivists from Anonymous a login and password to the Tribune Co. server, which ultimately allowed a hacker to deface the Los Angeles Times website, was fired Monday from his post as deputy social media editor for news service Reuters.

Keys, an avid presence on Twitter, tweeted the news.

According to an interview he subsequently conducted with Politico, Keys said Reuters never mentioned the indictment as a reason for his firing, but said the company was upset that he tweeted so heavily, while suspended, on the breaking-news aftermath of the Boston bombing attacks, occasionally providing incorrect facts. Keys said he believes that Reuters was "looking for an out" to fire him.

Keys, 26, has denied the accusations he faces. If convicted, he could face 10 years in prison, although federal sentencing guidelines suggest he would receive less time.