Second hacker in TJX case pleads guilty

One of the major players in the massive hacking incidents at TJX Companies Inc., BJ Wholesale Clubs Inc. and other retailers Monday pleaded guilty to identity theft and other felony charges in federal court in Boston.

Christopher Scott, 25, of Miami, is the second individual to plead guilty in the case so far. Last week, Damon Patrick Toey, admitted to four felony counts, including wire and credit card fraud and aggravated identity theft. Both men were among the 11 individuals who were arrested in August in connection with payment card fraud stemming from a series of computer intrusions at major retailers over the last few years.

In a plea agreement before U.S. District Judge Douglas Woodlock, Scott admitted to conspiracy, unauthorized access to computer systems, access device fraud and identity theft. He faces a maximum of 22 years in prison and a US$1 million fine. Scott also will forfeit the $400,000 or so that he made in profits from the payment card thefts.

Besides TJX and BJs, Scott, Toey and the others arrested are accused of breaking into and stealing payment card data from DSW Inc., OfficeMax Inc., Boston Market, Barnes and Noble Inc. Sports Authority and Forever 21. According to prosecutors, the group is believed to have stolen data involving more than 45 million payment cards, leaving about 100 financial institutions vulnerable to losses from fraud.

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