One of the private investigators hired to snoop on HP's board of directors and journalists has been charged with federal crimes.

Bryan Wagner is accused of identity theft and conspiracy. He is alleged to have used a reporter's Social Security number to get hold of their phone records.

Five other people including HP's ex-chairwoman Patricia Dunn and ethics officer Kevin Hunsaker face charges over the snooping scandal.

Dunn admits starting the investigation but denies any wrongdoing. Several agencies are investigating HP and the outside detectives it hired but this is the first federal charge.

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