Utah finds possible state database breach related to list of 1,300 alleged illegal immigrants

Utah finds possible breach in immigrant list probe

SALT LAKE CITY — A spokeswoman for Utah Gov. Gary Herbert said Thursday that investigators have found evidence that suggests a state database was breached to create a list of 1,300 purported illegal immigrants that has been circulating around the state.

News media, law enforcement and other government officials started receiving the list of names and personal information this week, creating widespread fear in the Hispanic community. The anonymous mailing demands that those on the list be deported, although some named on the list have said they are in the country legally.

Herbert spokeswoman Angie Welling said information will likely be turned over to the Utah attorney general’s office to investigate by Monday.

Intentionally releasing a private record in Utah is a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. If someone stole such a record, it could be prosecuted as a felony with a penalty punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

Welling said the list appears to have been created from information kept by the Department of Workforce Services and technology department workers are focusing all of their efforts there. The department administers the state’s food stamp and children’s health insurance programs, along with other benefits.

“That agency assigned a staff of 10 IT people who are almost continuously working on this,” she said. “They will continue to drill down on it.”

Welling said the investigation would continue Friday, although state employees usually have the day off as part of the state’s four-day workweek to cut energy costs.

The list contains Social Security numbers, birth dates, workplaces, addresses and phone numbers. Names of children are included, along with due dates of pregnant women.