TVNewser has obtained a letter sent to Joe Muto, the former “O’Reilly Factor” associate producer revealed to be a mole working for Gawker. The letter is from a law firm representing Fox News saying his actions thus far are “likely criminal.”
In fact a Fox News spokesperson tells TVNewser, “It’s now in the hands of our lawyers and law enforcement given that a crime has been committed.”
Muto, who was paid $5,000 by Gawker, was fired today after 8 years with the network. Last night he was questioned, put on paid leave and escorted from Fox News headquarters. The from the letter:
Be advised that your admissions are admissions of likely criminal and civil wrongdoing on both your and Gawker’s part, which will be the subject of further extensive investigation
The letter goes on advise Muto he “should immediately stop providing information and videos to Gawker …[and] immediately stop writing columns based on information that you unlawfully obtained while employed at Fox News. You should also immediately take all necessary steps to preserve all documents and information that may be relevant to your hire and employment at Gawker.”
Earlier in the day, Epstein, Becker & Green also sent a cease and desist letter to Gawker demanding they “immediately stop publishing information and videos that have been unlawfully obtained by or from Joe Muto and return them to Fox News.”
See the letter after the jump…