N.D.Ohio: Private party, here the owner, can be enlisted to help in computer search

Both the Fourth Amendment and Ohio law permitted law enforcement to seek private assistance in executing a search warrant, here of a computer, and the search was conducted by the company that owned the computer. United States v. Powell, 2020 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 79455 (N.D. Ohio May 6, 2020).

Defendant’s Franks challenge fails because the challenged paragraph in the affidavit, even if removed from consideration, still leaves probable cause. Defendant doesn’t even address the good faith exception which the court finds applies. United States v. Lewis, 2020 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 79813 (E.D. Mo. Apr. 15, 2020).*

Defendant’s wife sought return of cars seized producing the titles. Because the government has initiated forfeiture of the vehicles, she can pursue her remedy there. United States v. Rivera-Banchs, 2020 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 79548 (W.D. N.Y. May 6, 2020).

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