A Marshall, Minn., computer programmer pleaded guilty Thursday in Minneapolis to one count of intentional damage to a protected computer system for placing a "logic bomb" on St. Cloud Hospital's computer system in 2006.
Jeffery Howard Gibson, 30, faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.
Gibson had worked for the hospital between July 2005 and June 2006 on a computer-based staff training program, according to a plea agreement.
In the spring and summer of 2006, the plea agreement said, Gibson had installed a logic bomb -- a malicious software code -- that was designed to damage the system later.
Damages to the hospital were between $75,000 to $80,000, said Jeanine Nistler, director of communications for CentraCare Health System, the parent company of St. Cloud Hospital.
ERIC M. HANSON
