Student Faces 20 Years For Hacking Computer, Changing His Grades

A Florida high school student is facing 20 years in prison for hacking a school computer and changing his grades. Jose Bautista, age 18, is accused of illegally accessing computers owned by the Miami-Dade School Board. Bautista was arrested on numerous counts, including tampering with intellectual property. If convicted, the teen could spend up to 20 years in prison.

Authorities confirmed the defendant is a senior at Dr. Michael M. Krop Senior High School. Although he was expected to graduate this year, it is unclear whether Bautista will receive a diploma.

School officials said they received the teen’s written confession on Thursday. In the confession, Bautista admitted changing the grades on his report card. He further admitted changing the grades of four classmates. Officials said the teen falsified “other information” as well. However, it is unclear which records were altered.

Authorities said the four classmates whose grades were also changed were friends with the defendant. As reported by CBS News, Bautista reportedly approached his classmates and offered to change their grades. School officials are currently assessing the other students’ involvement and whether they will be punished.

Bautista’s family is stunned that he was arrested for hacking the school’s computer and changing his grades. His aunt and grandfather both said he is a “hard working student and a good kid.”

Following his confession, the teen was arrested and appeared in court on Friday. He was released on $20,000 bond pending trial. However, he is required to wear a GPS monitor and remains on house arrest.

The Miami-Dade School Board released an official statement about the incident:

“The school district takes incidents like this very seriously. In addition to the arrest and ongoing criminal investigation, the Code of Student Conduct provides for corrective strategies up to and including recommendation for expulsion.”

Bautista’s classmate, Alberto Bendjouia, said hacking into a school computer to change grades is “taking it to an extreme.” Although he was shocked by his classmate’s behavior, he said Bautista may have “felt he had to.”

Although he has not explained why he changed his grades, Bautista was quickly approaching graduation. He may have changed his grades to ensure his graduation or increase his grade point average. Whatever his reasoning, his plan has backfired.

Officials said hacking into a school computer and changing grades is a very serious offense and Jose Bautista will be punished accordingly. As he is now facing criminal conviction and expulsion, it is doubtful that he will graduate from high school.

[Image via Shutterstock and NY Daily News]