Man pleads guilty to identity theft

A computer security consultant pleaded guilty Wednesday to installing malicious software on hundreds of thousands of personal computers across the country to steal private information and at least $20,000, the U.S. attorney’s office said.

John Schiefer, 26, of Los Angeles acknowledged gaining access to the computers and remotely controlling them through the Internet. The compromised computers, which together formed a “botnet,” were then used to attack other computers, intercept electronic communications and reveal personal data, prosecutors said.

Schiefer was freed on bond. He faces up to 60 years in federal prison and $1.75 million in fines when he is sentenced Aug. 20.

He worked as a security consultant for 3G Communications Group, a Los Angeles-based network communications company, said Assistant U.S. Atty. Mark Krause.