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Verizon Tech Given 4-year Federal Prison Sentence For $4.5M Equipment Scam

Posted by timothy on from the job-opportunities dept.

McGruber writes "Michael Baxter, the network engineer at the southeastern regional headquarters of Verizon Wireless who submitted hundreds of fraudulent service requests to Cisco, has been sentenced to four years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Baxter was also ordered to pay $2.3 million in restitution to Cisco Systems, and $462,828 in restitution to Verizon. Instead of placing the replacement parts into service in the Verizon Wireless network, Baxter took the parts home and sold them to third-party re-sellers for his own profit. He used the money to buy cars, jewelry and multiple cosmetic surgeries for his girlfriend."

4 of 163 comments (clear)

  1. Company Liable? by Bigby · · Score: 5, Informative

    So when an employee does something great using the company's resources, the company gets the money. But when an employee does something illegal on the company resources, the company doesn't suffer?

    I understand that guy getting something. But Cisco should be suing Verizon, not the person. Verizon would then sue their former employee.

  2. Crime pays by Smartcowboy · · Score: 3, Informative

    He is a living proof that crime pays.

    He got millions of dollars and a great lifestyle for years and now he basicaly got free home and free meals for a number of years.

    1. Re:Crime pays by z_gringo · · Score: 3, Informative

      The Federal system doesn't have parole. And federal prisoners must complete at least 85% of their sentence, so good behavior will get him a 15% reduction at most.

      --
      -- -- Warning. Do not stare directly at the sun.
    2. Re:Crime pays by timeOday · · Score: 3, Informative
      Exactly - the problem with prison time isn't just the prison time, it's wearing the scarlet letter of "FELON" for the rest of your life.

      Is this the life to which you aspire?

      I am a 69 y/o exfconvicted felon. I'd been strugling to make end meet because I can't get a job because my record and my age, there r a lot of descrimination in florida for both. I'm retired and make $672.00 a month. and I can't survive on that kind of money.

      I was working in a little restaurant but it shut down last month, I'm desperate to pay my rent, my bills, gas etc. How can I find a job for my age.?

      (shudder)