However, the former IT manager, Jonathan Katz, abused his managerial position and highly privileged account at a mobile telecommunications store to overcome security measures and perform unauthorized number ports.

As someone who worked in mobile phone sales: there are tons of people making 30k/yr that have the same "highly privileged account" this guy did. He seems to be on the IT side which would make it easier to track. Retail employees do this all the time and usually for less money. People come in with a fake ID and someone's social and they walk out with a new phone activated with their phone number. An example is being made out of him, but I guarantee this issue is more systemic

If someone is willing to potentially trade their employment for $5k, the pay is probably low and the turnover is high. Aiding in identity theft is wrong, but five years in prison seems overkill