Hacker pleads guilty to credit-card number theft

Boston Computer hacker Albert Gonzalez pleaded guilty Friday to some of the largest thefts ever of credit-card numbers, according to the Associated Press.

The Miamian pled guilty in federal court to invading the computer systems of such retailers as TJX Cos., BJ's Wholesale Club, OfficeMax, Boston Market, Barnes & Noble and Sports Authority. Federal authorities say tens of millions of credit- and debit-card numbers were stolen.

Gonzalez also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, for hacks into the Dave & Buster's restaurant chain, in New York.

Under his Boston plea agreement, Gonzalez faces 15 to 25 years in prison. He faces up to 20 years for the New York plea agreement. The sentences would run at the same time.