An Associated Press report revealed that an online profile seeking casual sexual encounters with men was created in 2008 on an adult website using a work email account for Ohio Republican Senate candidate Bernie Moreno. The story was based on leaked 2016 database from Adult Friend Finder, current online records of past and present profiles, property records, and business filings related to Moreno. The AP could not confirm if the profile was created by Moreno himself.
Questions about the profile had been circulating in GOP circles for a month before Moreno’s lawyer claimed that a former intern, Dan Ricci, created the account as a prank almost two decades ago. Ricci stated that he was thoroughly embarrassed by the prank and donated to Moreno’s campaign last year. Moreno’s lawyer insisted that the candidate had nothing to do with the account in question.
In 2016, Adult Friend Finder experienced a massive data breach that exposed the personal information of many users, including old accounts that appeared closed or dormant. The leaked data included a unique account number, a work email address for Moreno, and a username “nardo19672.” Cybersecurity expert Jake Williams confirmed the email address’s inclusion in the leaked data, and the AP verified it through historical online records linking it to Moreno’s dealership website.
To create an account on Adult Friend Finder in 2008, a user needed access to the email address for password retrieval. The managed to authenticate the account with Moreno’s work email address after its creation. The profile associated with the account, still viewable online, indicated an interest in meeting men for casual encounters, with a specific preference for young guys. Geolocation data pointed to Fort Lauderdale, where Moreno’s parents owned a home. The username, birthdate, and caption on the profile strongly suggested it was linked to Moreno.
Experts suggest that the account was likely closed, but the company retained the data, making it publicly searchable. The username had a common flag for closed accounts, but websites often did not delete the data completely before new rules protecting personal information came into effect. Similar situations occurred with leaked data from websites like Ashley Madison. The AP investigation was backed by cybersecurity research confirming the link between the account and Moreno’s work email address.
Despite the claim by Moreno’s lawyer that a former intern created the account as a prank, questions still linger about the profile’s existence and connection to the Senate candidate. The revelation has caused a stir in GOP circles, raising concerns about Moreno’s credibility and past actions. Further investigation into the matter, including potential legal repercussions for those involved in creating the account, may be necessary to ensure transparency and accountability in the political landscape. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of cybersecurity and data privacy in an age where personal information is vulnerable to breaches and manipulation.
