HOUSTON – At Klein Oak High, a freshman reportedly gained computer access to thousands of employees’ personal information while in class.

"He was just clicking on folders in a network. Then he clicked on a folder that was not password protected," said Daniel Merritt, the boy’s father.

The teen got into the file, and then downloaded it onto his laptop and a flashdrive. 

Klein ISD said the boy’s actions were illegal and an unauthorized breach of its computer system.  In a letter, they stated that nearly 5000 employees had their personal information accessed.

"He said that my son had downloaded some information off the network and had made some comments implying that he was going to ruin some people's credit," said Merritt.

The teen's dad said his son is sorry and never meant to use the information for anything.  But authorities see the situation differently.

The boy is charged with a felony, and his father said he was expelled.

“They need a scapegoat.  I feel my son is being unfairly punished,” said Merritt.

Michael Garfield, a computer expert, said that a network is a shared pipeline where any number of people can share the same files.

“If you don't want anybody else accessing it, you have to make sure it’s locked down with password encryption,” said Garfield.

Daniel's father and uncle are standing behind him. They said the teen realizes he made a mistake, but so did the school.

The school district admitted that not all files are password protected, but other restrictions are in place to prohibit access.

They believe the information has not been used or given to anyone else.