A 28 year old hacker pleaded guilty Friday to one of the crimes of identity theft known larger, leaving a federal judge with the problem of deciding how to compensate its millions of victims.
Documents filed last month had shown that Albert Gonzalez of Miami, would plead guilty to the charges he is accused in Massachusetts and New York who helped create a global network that stole more than 40 million credit cards debit and major retailers, including TJX Cos., parent of TJ Maxx and Marshalls.
He faces similar charges in New Jersey.
In his first public appearance since reaching the plea deal, Gonzalez was much more humble than it was last year in the same room, after his arrest in the case of New York.
During this time he has cut his long hair, and spent Friday meeting with prison clothes and giving only brief answers while reviewing Judge Patti Saris of the 20 charges he pleaded guilty.
Gonzalez faces up to 25 years in prison as part of its agreement, which would be one of the tougher sentences are recalled for a similar offense.
Saris set a sentencing date in December, but first seeks to review how the authorities can compensate its victims, which include shops, banks that issued the cards and millions of people.
Authorities seized cash, computers, a house and a gun, which in total accounted for more than $ 1.6 million, but both his lawyers and prosecutors agree that these assets are "modest" compared to the damage caused to their victims.
"I have a growing feeling that the death toll may exceed the (value) recovered available," said the judge in court.
After the hearing, a handcuffed Gonzalez was quickly moved out of the room, and remain in a federal prison in Rhode Island. His attorney, Rene Palomino, said later that the detainee "is extremely remorseful for what he has done."
When asked about his new behavior, the lawyer said.
"Once you make the decision he took, you take away a lot from him. Take responsibility for your actions is the first step to leave behind," he said.
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