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Law enforcement cleared Thornton after airport questioning; his attorney claims accidental website access.
Following the mid-flight incident involving Wheel of Fortune announcer Jim Thornton, law enforcement conducted questioning at Los Angeles International Airport but subsequently cleared him of any charges. The questioning occurred after a passenger reported alleged chat room activity on Thornton's laptop during a May flight.
Thornton's attorney claims the access was unintentional, stating that he had attempted to reach a suicide prevention website but mistakenly entered a pedophilia-related chat room instead. This explanation contradicts earlier characterizations of the incident.
The clearance by law enforcement represents a significant development in the investigation, though Sony Pictures Television had already terminated Thornton's employment effective immediately following the initial allegations. The airport questioning and subsequent clearance mark the law enforcement phase of the incident's response.
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Law enforcement questions and clears Thornton in airport inquiry
Authorities questioned Thornton at LAX following the flight incident, examining the circumstances surrounding the alleged chat room access. Law enforcement subsequently cleared him, indicating investigators found insufficient evidence for charges. The questioning and clearance represent the formal investigative response to the passenger's initial report.
Attorney presents accidental access explanation to authorities
Thornton's legal counsel asserted the chat room access was unintentional, claiming he attempted to reach a suicide prevention website. This explanation distinguishes between the reported activity and alleged deliberate conduct. The clearance by law enforcement suggests investigators found the accidental access claim credible enough to preclude charges.