A federal grand jury in Chattanooga, Tenn., ended its session and did not indict David Kernell, the 20-year-old University of Tennessee student suspected of hacking Republican vice-presidential nominee Sarah Palin's Yahoo e-mail account.
Three University of Tennessee students gave testimony before the federal grand jury, The Chattanooga Free Press reported, but didn't give their names or answer questions about the case.
David Kernell, son of Democratic state representative Michael Kernell, also retained Knoxville, Tenn. attorney Wade V. Davies. Davies released a statement to the media on Tuesday.
"I have been asked by the Kernell family to represent their son, David. This is a difficult time for David and his family. The Kernell family wants to do the right thing, and they want what is best for their son," Davies said in the statement. "We are confident that the truth will emerge as we go through the process. David is a decent and intelligent young man, and I look forward to assisting him during this difficult period."
Rep. Mike Kernell confirmed last week that his son David was the individual being discussed in internet postings speculating that David hacked Palin's e-mail.
The FBI searched David Kernell's apartment Sunday morning for leads on the case.