Prosecutors to seek 25 years for TJX hacker

Boston The prosecution in the case against the computer hacker who helped orchestrate one of the largest thefts of credit- and debit-card numbers in U.S. history said they intend to seek a 25-year prison sentence as punishment.

Albert Gonzales, convicted of hacking into computer systems of major retailers, including TJX Cos., BJ's Wholesale Club and Sports Authority, could potentially receive the maximum sentence allowed under the terms of plea agreements in cases against Gonzalez brought in Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York.

He will be sentenced in all three cases during hearings Thursday and Friday in U.S. District Court.

His lawyer will argue that Gonzalez should get no more than 15 years. Prosecutors said Gonzalez victimized millions of people and cost companies, banks and insurers nearly $200 million. They said just two of Gonzalez's computer servers contained more than 40 million distinct credit- and debit-card numbers.