The former computer systems administrator who stole more than 19,000 pieces of equipment from the Naval Research Laboratory said he wanted to create the “Noah’s Ark of Computer Land,” a two-by-two of every piece of computer technology available, according to documents filed Tuesday in federal court.

Victor Papagno Jr., 40, has admitted in federal court to stealing hardware from the research lab on Overlook Avenue in Southwest Washington. Court documents and Navy officials valued his haul at up to $1.6 million.