FROM: Nick Muyo, Public Information Officer   CONTACT PERSON: Ben Field, Deputy District Attorney 408-792-2593   For release on November 10, 2008   SANTA CLARA COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE ANNOUNCES THAT FORMER COMPUTER NETWORK ADMINISTRATOR PLEADS GUILTY TO MULTIPLE CHARGES   On November 7, 2008, defendant Andrew Madrid pled guilty to (14) counts of second degree burglary, (4) counts of computer hacking, (3) counts of identity theft, (2) counts of possession of methamphetamine for sale and various other charges.  He committed most of these crimes while out of custody on bail for drug and theft charges.  He will receive a state prison sentence between 6 and 12 years.   Madrid gained access to several local companies by posing as a security guard or IT staff person.  Once inside, he stole valuable computer equipment.  As a former network administrator with a local high technology company, Madrid was able to perpetrate extremely sophisticated crimes.  In two cases, he hacked into the victim company’s computer network, at times to steal data and at others to install sophisticated spy ware that enabled him to capture victim company passwords and continue his criminal activities.   Using his computer skills, Madrid stole and used the identities of various unsuspecting victims to commit his crimes.  At times, he used the unprotected wireless networks of his neighbors.  His criminal activities also included a scheme in which he placed fake bar codes for inexpensive computer equipment on expensive computer equipment so that he could pay the lower price.    Five law enforcement agencies investigated crimes committed by Madrid:  the REACT Task Force; the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety; the Los Gatos Police Department; the Santa Clara Police Department, and the San Jose Police Department.  The Santa Clara County Office of the District Attorney would like to recognize these agencies for their excellent work in this case.   Sentencing will take place before Judge Douglas Southard on January 22, 2009.   ###