Hacker's NYC impersonation case set to be closed

(AP) -- A computer hacker-turned-FBI informant is on track to get out of trouble after being accused of telling a police officer he was a federal agent.

A Manhattan state judge agreed Thursday to dismiss the misdemeanor impersonation charge against Hector Xavier Monsegur (HAH'-vee-ehr MAHN'-see-gur) if he avoids rearrest for six months. Monsegur was excused from appearing in court.

Federal prosecutors revealed last month that the 28-year-old Monsegur was an informant. He's known online as Sabu. He helped build a case against five other alleged associates of the worldwide hacking group Anonymous.

Monsegur pleaded guilty in August to charges including conspiracy to commit hacking.

He was arrested in February on the impersonation case. An officer had approached and asked him for identification. Police said Monsegur responded that he was a federal agent.

©2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.