A software programmer formerly from Smithtown has admitted to hacking into and sabotaging a Long Island-based company’s computer network in retaliation for being passed over for promotions three years ago.
Michael Meneses pleaded guilty Friday at Central Islip federal court to unlawful transmission of computer code and commands.
“The defendant used his programming knowledge to hack into the computer network of his former employer and launch a campaign of digital retaliation,” said Loretta Lynch, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York.
Prosecutors said the 43-year-old man created a computer program that harvested the user logins and passwords of his colleagues upon his resignation in January 2012 after four years with the unidentified company, which manufactures high-voltage power supplies.
After he left the company, Meneses used the credentials to remotely access the network and delete a line of code in a software program that the company used to calculate work order costs, leading the company to incorrectly calculate these costs.
He also modified a database so it would appear to be March 2012 rather than February 2012, ensuring that the company was unable to process routine transactions. And he purged a purchase order table, which prevented the company from processing orders. In addition, he sent an anonymous email to a candidate to fill his position that said: “Don’t accept any position from [the victim company].”
He faces up to 10 years in prison, restitution and a fine when he is sentenced July 7 by Judge Joseph Bianco.
