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FORMER STATE DEPARTMENT COMPUTER SPECIALIST PLEADS GUILTY

WASHINGTON, D.C. - A former computer specialist for the Department of State today pleaded guilty to charges that he stole computer equipment from the government and removed equipment containing classified national security information without authorization.

Michael J. Wallace, 40, of Alexandria, Virginia, pleaded guilty to a two-count criminal information charging him with theft of government property and unauthorized removal of classified materials.

According to the Criminal Information and related Statement of Facts, beginning in July 2000 and continuing through January 2001, Wallace stole thousands of dollars worth of computer equipment belonging to the Department of State. Wallace provided some of this equipment to computer colleagues in the United States and abroad in exchange for cash and free software.

As part of his plea agreement with the United States, Wallace is required to cooperate with the ongoing investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by the Public Integrity Section of the Department of Justice's Criminal Division and is being investigated by the Department of State Office of Inspector General.

The maximum penalty for theft of government property is 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, and the maximum penalty for unauthorized removal of classified materials is one year in prison and a fine of up to $1,000.

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