Update #3: Hotz’s lawyer, Stewart Keller, tells IGN that the ‘integral components’ Sony refers to are ‘stock controller cards,’ not the hard drive themselves. Moreover, the devices have already been handed over, so we’re not quite sure what Sony is trying to argue, other than to stir controversy over Hotz’s whereabouts.

Update #2: Interestingly, while digging deeper in the filings, Groklaw reports that the forum account Sony references is actually named ‘blickmaniac’ — a slight alteration on Geohot’s alleged PSN nickname, not an exact match.

Update: Also of note in the most recent filing, is that Sony contests Hotz “deliberately removed integral components of his impounded hard drives prior to delivering them to a third party neutral.” With Hotz taking a vacation in South America, it appears that SCEA is trying to blame him for purposely delaying discovery. In no way does this suggest he’s fled the country, however, as other uninformed sites are reporting.

Despite hacker George Hotz’s claims to the contrary, it seems that he does indeed have a PSN account. In Sony’s latest attempt to wrangle their TOS around Hotz, evidence brought to light in recent count filings shows a PSN account tied to Hotz’s PS3 console. Registered under ‘blickmanic,’ the account was created on March 10 of last year, with the associated IP address pointing to Glen Rock, New Jersey.

According to Sony, internet searches on the ‘blickmanic’ alias also reveal forum posts that discuss the jailbreaking of cellular phones, an area Hotz specializes in. Unfortunately, Sony has locked away particulars on the PSN account in under seal exhibits.

At any rate, if Sony’s findings are legit this development certainly poses yet another roadblock for Hotz, at least in terms of moving the case to his home turf. It’ll be interesting to see how the judge — and Hotz — respond.

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