The son of a Democratic state lawmaker in Tennessee has pleaded not guilty to charges he hacked into Governor Sarah Palin's personal e-mail account.

20-year-old David Kernell was arraigned in a federal court in Knoxville this morning.

He was released without posting bond.

Kernell, an economics student at the University of Tennessee is not allowed to own a computer.

He can use the internet only for checking e-mail and doing class work.

"We found out about the charges this morning, David voluntarily turned himself in, he was released on bond and we're set for trial on December 16th", said attorney Wade Davies.

Kernell faces a maximum of five years in prison and a 250-thousand dollar fine.