Wayne Kenney, Computer Hacking, New Hampshire 2021

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Table of Contents

Traitor in the Ranks: Hooksett Man Pleads Guilty to Computer Hacking Offenses

CONCORD – A vicious attack on the computer systems of the Auburn Police Department and the Farnum Center left officials scrambling to repair the damage. Now, the mastermind behind the scheme is facing justice.

Wayne Kenney, 31, of Hooksett, pleaded guilty in federal court to unauthorized access to a computer and damage to protected computers, U.S. Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in early 2015, Kenney was arrested by a police officer for possession of heroin. After receiving a suspended sentence and mandatory drug counseling sessions, Kenney engaged in a retributive course of action that involved hacking into various computers of the Auburn Police Department, the Town Offices of Auburn, and the Farnum Center.

Between February 2015 and July 2015, Kenney hacked into Auburn Police Department and Town of Auburn computers, deploying malicious ‘keylogging’ software that he created, and stole employees’ log-in credentials. He then hacked into, deleted files from, and defaced employees’ online accounts. Additionally, Kenney deployed malicious software that caused pop-up messages to appear stating ‘I pray for the death of [Officer’s Name].’

Kenney also hacked into the website for the Farnum Center, taking control of the site. He disabled a link that would have provided website visitors access to information about alcohol and drug treatment assistance. He also changed their 24-hour emergency drug hotline phone number so that anyone calling for help would be re-routed to a number associated with adult entertainment services.

Kenney is scheduled to be sentenced on March 2, 2021. ‘The defendant’s vindictive scheme damaged the operations of the Town of Auburn and its Police Department and also impeded individuals from accessing emergency substance abuse treatment services,’ said U.S. Attorney Murray. ‘Computer hacking schemes like this are serious offenses that have real victims and serious consequences.’

Kenney faces up to 10 years in prison for his crimes. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Auburn Police Department and the Farnum Center. The case is being prosecuted by Senior Trial Attorney Mona Sedky of the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Georgiana L. MacDonald of the District of New Hampshire.