A judge in Milwaukee has modified the pre-trial release conditions of Marcus Hutchins, also known online as “MalwareTech,” who was indicted two months ago on federal criminal charges.
Under US Magistrate Judge William Duffin’s Thursday order, Hutchins, who is currently living in Los Angeles, will no longer be subject to a curfew or to GPS monitoring.
His attorney, Marcia Hofmann, wrote in a court filing earlier this week that Hutchins should not be considered a flight risk and has never missed a court appearance. During a September 2017 trip to the East Coast, his GPS monitoring device failed and he “did not attempt to flee the country.” She also told the court that being forced to wear the device was “unduly burdensome,” in particular as it hindered his ability to swim and surf.