Rutgers student faces more serious charge in spy case that led to classmate's death

The onetime Rutgers University student accused of trying to livestream a sexual encounter of a roommate who later killed himself faces a greater chance of time in prison than previously believed.

Dharun Ravi, 19, faces a charge of hindering an investigation alleging that he tried to influence a witness after a police probe began. The crime is listed as a third-degree charge in the 15-count indictment, but prosecutors said Monday the classification was a mistake and that the charge is actually a second-degree crime, The Star-Ledger of Newark, N.J. reported.

Superior Court Judge Glenn Berman, who ordered both parties to file motions on the issue, explained that an upgraded charge would mean that Ravi's chances of prison time increase. But Berman also said it might not be fair to punish Ravi for a mistake that he caught.

Ravi is accused of using a webcam to stream footage of Tyler Clementi and another male in September 2010. Clementi, 18, committed suicide days later.

Ravi turned down a plea deal in December and his trial is set to begin Feb. 21.