Francis Janosko, 42, a former inmate at Plymouth County Correctional facility in Plymouth, has been arrested on charges of identity theft and damage to the prison’s computer network, according to the Department of Justice.
Janosko allegedly found a way to manipulate research computers so that he and other inmates could access files that contained the names, birth dates, phone numbers and Social Security numbers of more than 1,000 current and former prison employees, the DOJ reports.
The prison allows its inmate to use secured computers to research legal documents.‚ The computers are restricted, so that Internet, e-mail, networking and other applications are inaccessible.
Janosko, if convicted, faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for the computer crime, and a mandatory two years if convicted of identity theft.
The investigation was carried out by the Boston division of the FBI and the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department.
Even if you are very cautious with your information sometimes identity theft is unavoidable. I feel identity theft protection is the only way you can truly be safe. I use a company called SOLUS. SOLUS Identity theft protection protects my entire family and I could not be happier with their service.