Love also said DWS is taking steps to review its security policies and has also installed an internal tip hotline for its employees. Bustamante had recently moved from a DWS satellite office and was telecommuting from her home.

Bustamante is charged with one count of computer fraud, two counts of aggravated identity theft and one count of destruction of records. Johnstun is charged with one count of destruction of records. Smith and Chapman are each charged with one count of access device fraud and one county of aggravated identity theft.

The penalty for computer fraud is up to five years in federal prison. Destruction of records carries up to 20 years in prison. Access to device fraud is up to 10 years and aggravated identity theft carries a mandatory-minimum sentence of two years and must be stacked against any other sentence.

"We sincerely regret this breach of security," said DWS Executive Director Kristen Cox in a statement. "Our former employee's alleged misconduct certainly does not represent the long-standing honesty, integrity and dedication of our staff to the well being of each and every one of our customers."

DWS points out that after employing over 2,300 individuals, this is the first instance of identity theft by an employee in the department's history.

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E-mail: gfattah@desnews.com