New Jersey high school student charged with accessing school computer to alter grades, records

ORANGE, N.J. – Authorities in northern New Jersey say a high school student has been charged with using a school computer to change the grades and attendance records of multiple classmates.

Officials from the Essex County Prosecutor's office and the Orange Police Department announced Monday that a 16-year-old sophomore from Orange has been charged with multiple counts of computer theft for unlawfully accessing and altering data and hindering apprehension.

Prosecutors say a criminal investigation began after school officials notified police that an unauthorized user had gained access to the school's computer system. Investigators say the student used the password of a staff member without authorization.

The sophomore was arrested and charged Friday and released on his own recognizance.

Several students were disciplined administratively by the local district.