Blogger jailed for failing to turn over computer in defamation suit

A Texas blogger accused in a defamation and conspiracy lawsuit was jailed over Memorial Day weekend for contempt of court after failing to turn over a computer that she claims was stolen from her home, the Houston Chronicle reports.

Lyndal Harrington, who wrote for the Web site Rose Speaks, is being sued by Virgie Arthur, the mother of the late Anna Nicole Smith. District Judge Tony Lindsay does not believe Harrington’s account that her home was broken into within a week after she was ordered to produce the computer so it could be searched for evidence.

Harrington was released Friday, but Lindsay ordered her to hand over the computer by July 2. Harrington maintains that she cannot turn over the computer because she doesn’t have it, the Chronicle reports.

Texas recently passed a shield law for reporters, but there is no indication that Harrington attempted to use it to avoid being held in contempt.