TELECOM Digest OnLine - Sorted: Arrests Made in Theft of VA Laptop Computer

Arrests Made in Theft of VA Laptop Computer

Brian Westley, Associated Press (ap@telecom-digest.org)
Sat, 05 Aug 2006 23:26:48 -0500

2 teens accused in theft of VA computer
By BRIAN WESTLEY, Associated Press Writer

Two teenagers were arrested Saturday morning in the theft of a
laptop and hard drive containing sensitive data on up to 26.5 million
veterans and military personnel, authorities said.

The equipment was stolen May 3 during a burglary at the Maryland home
of a Veterans Affairs employee. The laptop and hard drive were turned
into the FBI June 28 by an unidentified person in response to a
$50,000 reward offer.

The equipment contained the names, Social Security numbers and birth
dates of veterans discharged since 1975, in what was the worst-ever
breach of government data.

Jesus Alex Pineda, 19, and Christian Brian Montano, 19, both of
Rockville, Md., were arrested early Saturday, Montgomery County police
said.

Pineda was charged with first-degree burglary and theft over $500.
Montano was charged with first-degree burglary, conspiracy to commit
first-degree burglary, theft over $500, and conspiracy to commit theft
over $500.

Police said similar charges were also filed against a third male
suspect who is a juvenile.

"I commend the FBI, Montgomery County Police, VA's Office of Inspector
General and other law enforcement agencies for their professionalism
and diligence throughout this investigation," Secretary of Veterans
Affairs R. James Nicholson said in a statement. "Today's announcement
that arrests have been made is good news."

Authorities said the suspects did not specifically target the VA
employee's home in Aspen Hill, Md., and did not realize the hard drive
contained veterans' information until the case was publicized.

Police did not have any information about attorneys for the
suspects. A bond hearing could be held Monday at the earliest,
officials said.

The VA announced last month that the FBI has determined with a high
degree of confidence that the files were not compromised.

"While this arrest is good news, we were lucky that the data belonging
to veterans was not accessed and misused," Steve Buyer, chairman of
the House Veterans Affairs Committee, said in a statement.

"The vulnerability is real and with the help of Congress, VA must move
forward with information security reform," said Buyer, R-Ind.

Congress is investigating the steps leading up to and after the theft.
It also is pondering legislation to improve information security.

On the Net:
Department of Veterans Affairs: http://www.va.gov/

Copyright 2006 The Associated Press.

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