Good point, there.
I had also wondered if looking into his computer without permission, or having it seized and searched without his knowledge would violate his privacy rights.
Like you said, he left it when he moved out. I wonder if his telling the friends he would pick it up later on at a certain date would make a difference.
And, after getting the complaint by the roommates the police just could not cross their hands and ignore it, even if the friends violated JH's privacy rights.
One thing, though... I don't know the circumstances of how the friends found the porn and the reasons why they took it to police, but it had to be VERY difficult because of the judicial process.
They knew their property would be searched, their names would be run through LE records, their lives would be turned upside down while the case goes on, etc...
I don't think they would get the reward money because to get the money the tip had to be run through their hotline, or that is how most times it is done. But, I don't know.
So, these people have done a great service to the community and their courage should be thanked by all. I mean, hadn't been for their part, this JH guy would be a free range chicken in Meridian, having gotten away with horrible crimes.
I missed you Hoppy 
