Attorney: Search Of CBS 3 Anchor's Home Involved Lane

Updated 8:45 AM EST, Mon, Nov 24, 2008

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The Philadelphia Inquirer reported CBS 3 anchor Larry Mendte is the subject of a federal investigation.

Mendte's attorney, Michael A. Schwartz, said the FBI searched his client's home in a case involving former co-anchor Alycia Lane, which her attorney suggested involved a possible invasion of her privacy.

Schwartz said FBI agents approached his client Thursday and searched his home in connection with "claims made by Alycia Lane."
According to the Inquirer, authorities are trying to determine whether Mendte illegally read Lane's private e-mail.

The newspaper said Mendte's personal computer was seized during a search of his Chestnut Hill home on Thursday.

It was not clear what prompted the investigation.

Mendte's lawyer said his client is cooperating fully and hopes to resolve the matter soon.

Lane's attorney, Paul R. Rosen, denied that his client had made "any claims involving anyone."

"The investigation by the FBI and the direction it took was done by the federal government and not by Alycia Lane," Rosen said. "She was shocked when she learned of any invasion of her privacy."

The station said it was cooperating fully with the U.S. Attorney's Office in its investigation involving Mendte.

Mendte, 51, has worked at CBS 3 since 2003. Prior to that, he spent six years at NBC 10.

Lane was fired from CBS in January after she was accused of hitting a New York City police officer the month before. Felony charges against her were later dropped and a judge further reduced the charges in February, agreeing to dismiss them if she stays out of trouble for six months.