I really don't think JA was remotely accessing TA's computer. She is not a professional hacker. Nor was that a real situation back in 2008 as much as it might be today.
It appears that JA had access to his passwords. On sites that are hosted on the internet, not actually on his computer. Anyone can access other people's social media and email if they have the passwords. No remote access to the computer required. We have no idea if TA just used the same password for everything assuming that no one was going to be doing anything negative to him. Apparently the Hughes had his password for email. Don't know why but apparently they did. Perhaps because he was just that passive about stuff like that. Trusted everyone and couldn't see what people could or would do with that info. He had nothing to hide. JA was a whole new level of intrusion that he never really understood I don't think.
MOO
ETA: I bet his password was Napoleon or Naps