Blogger could get jail time for GNR leak

Los Angeles -- The California blogger accused of posting nine unreleased Guns N' Roses songs on the Internet reportedly could get up to three years in prison if convicted.

Kevin Cogill, 27, was arrested at his Culver City, Calif., home this week and charged with violating copyright laws after he allegedly leaked songs from the rock band's long awaited album "Chinese Democracy" on his music Web site in June.

The Los Angeles Times said Cogill is the first California resident charged under a federal anti-piracy law which makes it a felony to distribute a copyrighted work via computer networks before its release.

Cogill was released on $10,000 bail, but faces up to three years in prison and $250,000 in fines, if convicted, The Times said, adding that Cogill's public defender, Anthony Eaglin, declined to comment on the case.

Former Guns N' Roses lead guitarist Slash had plenty to say, however.

"I hope he rots in jail," the musician told The Times. "It's going to affect the sales of the record, and it's not fair. The Internet is what it is, and you have to deal with it accordingly, but I think if someone goes and steals something, it's theft."

Copyright 2008 by United Press International.