Sentencing looms in HP phone-record scandal

Sentencing has been postponed for a private investigator who helped Hewlett-Packard Co. unearth private telephone records of board members and journalists.

Bryan Wagner is the last remaining defendant from the spying scandal that erupted in 2006 and engulfed one of technology’s most storied companies.

He pleaded guilty 2-1/2 years ago to identity theft and conspiracy. His punishment had been scheduled for Wednesday in U.S. District Court in San Jose, Calif. But now, a hearing will take place next week to determine a new sentencing date.

Wagner’s the lowest-ranking member of the plot to find the source of boardroom leaks to the press. He admitted tricking phone companies into coughing up confidential billing logs. He claimed he didn’t know the records he was gathering were for HP.