Dharun Ravi, the former Rutgers University student convicted of invasion of privacy and other crimes for using his webcam to spy on his gay roommate Tyler Clementi, was released from jail Tuesday morning after completing 20 days of his 30 day sentence.
Ravi, 20, was found guilty in March of 15 criminal charges after watching Clementi kissing another man on his webcam, then posting about the incident on Twitter, instant messaging programs and text messages.
Several nights later, Clementi took his own life, leaving a goodbye message on his Facebook page before jumping to his death from the George Washington Bridge: “Jumping off the gw bridge. Sorry.”
Ravi is maintaining his innocence and appealing the conviction. During his trial, he defended his webcam use by saying that he set it up to ensure Clementi’s visitor didn’t steal his iPad.
Ravi was awarded one five-day reduction in his sentence for good behavior, and another for working while in Middlesex County, N.J. jail. He’ll still have to undergo three years of probation and more than $11,000 in fines, 300 hours of court-ordered community service, in addition to counseling.
The prosecution in the case is appealing the ruling, arguing that Ravi should be charged with additional jail time. His crimes carry a maximum sentence of 10 years.
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