Former U.S. Army soldier Cameron Wagenius, 22, has been sentenced to 70 months in federal prison for hacking telecommunications companies and attempting to extort victims for more than $1 million, federal prosecutors said.

Wagenius was convicted after admitting to participating in a cybercrime scheme that targeted telecommunications companies and involved the theft of sensitive information.

According to prosecutors, Wagenius used unauthorized access to telecom systems to obtain information from victims and then attempted to use the stolen data as leverage for financial demands.

The extortion attempts exceeded $1 million, according to the case against him. Wagenius' conduct made him part of a broader cybercrime operation targeting telecommunications infrastructure and customer information.

Wagenius previously served in the U.S. Army before becoming involved in the hacking activity. His military background was noted as part of his history in the federal case.

The 70-month sentence amounts to nearly six years behind bars. After completing his prison term, Wagenius will also face any additional supervised-release requirements imposed by the federal court.

The case highlights the federal government's continued prosecution of cybercriminals who target telecommunications companies and attempt to profit from stolen data and unauthorized system access.