A Miami man received the longest sentence ever handed down to a computer hacker for a cybercrime. Albert Gonzalez was sentenced to 20 years in state prison for being the ringleader in a network of cybercriminals that stole tens of millions of credit and debit card numbers. The ring hacked into TJX, which owns T.J. Maxx, BJ's Wholesale Club, OfficeMax, Boston Market, Barnes and Noble and Sport's Authority. Gonzalez faced a maximum of 25 years in prison if convicted on these hacking charges.
The prior record long sentence for computer hacking of 13 years was handed down to a San Francisco man Max Ray Butler just last month. Butler was convicted in relation to hacking into financial institution computer networks and selling the financial information obtained via an online forum.
Gonzalez previously pleaded guilty in two other hacking cases last year in which he was scheduled to be sentenced. For his role in one of the prior cases involving Dave and Buster's restaurant chain, Gonzalez was facing a maximum of 20 years in state prison. Gonzalez was facing 17-25 years for a third hacking case involving Heartland, 7-Eleven and Hannaford Bros. Supermarket chain wherein he was accused of stealing more than 130 million credit and debt card numbers. Under the terms of Gonzalez plea agreement, all three sentences will run concurrently.
Word of the record sentence in the Gonzalez case spread quickly through the internet security community. "The Gonzalez sentence sends a clear message to career criminals and organized crime outfits," said Michael Maloof of TriGeo Network Security. "The Gonzalez case reflects the growing trend to aggressively prosecute cybercrimes," said Miami Criminal Lawyer John Musca. "This case shows that if a person uses a computer to steal or provide the tools to others to do so, you can go to jail for a very long time," said Musca. These cases can often involve technologically sophisticated evidence explained by computer experts so you should retain an experienced cybercrime lawyer if you are charged with a Miami cybercrime under Florida criminal law.
If you have been arrested or are facing criminal allegations, you face a number of important decisions. The most critical one is choosing who will represent you in the legal system.
It is important to be proactive in building your defense. A conviction will likely change your life. But, with the highest quality legal representation on your side, it is possible to put these changes behind your for good. If you have been arrested and are seeking legal guidance, Musca Law is here for you. Contact a Miami Criminal Defense Attorney at Musca Law today, to speak with an experienced attorney. We offer a free initial consultation and Spanish language translation.
