KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (CBS) -- Sarah and Todd Palin will testify in the case against the 22-year-old University of Tennessee student who allegedly broke into Sarah Palin's e-mail account while she was running for vice president in 2008, according to a statement Palin's attorney gave to CNN.

The Palins plan to testify against David C. Kernell, whose father is a Democratic state representative, in Knoxville, Tennessee. Palin's attorney, Thomas Van Flein, said the Department of Justice requested their testimony.

The person who accessed Palin's email account did so by entering her personal information, which allowed that person to reset her password. In addition to entering Palin's birthday and ZIP code, the person had to answer the security question, "Where did you meet your spouse?" The correct answer was "Wasilla High."

Some information from the account was posted online, and Palin's password was eventually reset to "popcorn" and posted to a public Web site.

"This is a shocking invasion of the governor's privacy and a violation of law," the John McCain campaign said at the time. "The matter has been turned over to the appropriate authorities and we hope that anyone in possession of these e-mails will destroy them."

Kernell was indicted in October of 2008 after the Internet address of the person who accessed the account was traced to his apartment complex in Knoxville. The former Alaska governor's account was accessed amid media reports that she was using her personal account to conduct state business.

CNN reports that prosecutors have charged Kernell with identity theft, wire fraud, computer fraud and obstructing a federal investigation, all felonies. He has pleaded not guilty and a trial is planned for next month.