PHOTOGRAPHER SUSPECTED OF CELEB-TAPPING.

Byline: Peter Hartlaub Daily News Staff Writer

Federal authorities arrested a Studio City photographer Thursday, claiming he used a scanner to tap a movie-set cell phone call between actors Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman, then sold the conversation to the tabloids.

Eric Ford, 27, faces three counts of wiretapping and could serve 15 years in prison if convicted. The charges are related to the alleged interception of the cellular phone call and the selling of the conversation, which appeared in the June 30 issue of the Globe.

A grand jury unsealed an indictment against Ford early this week, and he was arrested about 6 a.m. Thursday by FBI agents at his Studio City home, authorities said.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Jessner said the alleged interception occurred in February on a Studio City movie set. The U.S. Attorney's Office was contacted by Cruise's attorney after the tabloid article was published.

``My understanding is that Mrs. Kidman was using a cellular phone somewhere on the set of `Practical Magic,' and Mr. Cruise was at home,'' Jessner said, adding that officials believe Ford was following the actress.

Ford was ushered into his bail hearing by federal marshals Thursday afternoon and was released after his girlfriend pledged to put up $10,000 for his release.

Ford is scheduled to return to court Monday to enter a plea.

The Globe released a short statement, contending that it ``did nothing illegal or improper in putting together this story.''

Cruise and Kidman, through their publicist, declined to comment.