WaPo: Scanning technology is coming to detect child porn. Here’s what it means

WaPo: Scanning technology is coming to detect child porn. Here’s what it means by Shira Ovide:

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S.D.N.Y.: Search incident not invalid even though officer would have just issued citation for possession of MJ

Defendant was parked at an intersection in the Bronx and was consuming marijuana in the car on the street, a state offense. The officer had the authority to conduct a search of the car even though he was likely only going to issue a citation, until he found a firearm, that is. United States v. Clarke, 2025 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 117813 (S.D.N.Y. June 20, 2025).

The officers did not use excessive force here, and the district court just didn’t believe plaintiff’s expert. “Cunningham’s expert may believe he did not resist or pose a threat to the Defendant Officers, but the body-camera footage shows otherwise. As discussed above, the videos show that Cunningham ran from the officers, would not surrender his hands after clear and continuous requests to do so, and kept his left arm underneath his body where a weapon could have been stored.” Cunningham v. Cobb Cty., 2025 U.S. App. LEXIS 15434 (11th Cir. June 23, 2025).*

Defendant was suspected of having a gun. After finding a diaper on his person, the police concluded that’s where the gun was, and they were right. There was no reasonable expectation of privacy in the diaper, and, even if there was, there was exigency. People v. Polanco, 2025 NY Slip Op 50996(U), 2025 N.Y. Misc. LEXIS 5630 (Bronx Co. Apr. 28, 2025).*

Summarized here in one paragraph (all that’s needed) the affidavit for warrant showed a substantial basis for finding probable cause. United States v. Taslakian, 2025 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 118417 (D. Mass. June 23, 2025).*

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CA11: Using BitTorrent to enter def’s computer peer-to-peer wasn’t an unreasonable search

Using BitTorrent to access defendant’s open child pornography files peer-to-peer on his computer was not a digital trespass and did not violate any reasonable expectation of privacy. United States v. Ewing, 2025 U.S. App. LEXIS 15437 (11th Cir. June 23, 2025). (DoJ press release here)

How defendant’s cell phone records and CSLI were obtained in 2012 complied with the law at the time, so the good faith exception applies. Wilson v. State, 2025 Ga. LEXIS 144 (June 24, 2025).*

While investigating the traffic stop the officer called for backup with a drug dog. The stop was not unreasonably extended to perform the dog sniff, and there was [barely] reasonable suspicion that some crime was going to occur. McGhee v. State, 2025 Tex. App. LEXIS 4331 (Tex. App. – Dallas June 23, 2025).*

The inventory of defendant’s car was reasonable because he was a drunk driver and the car had to be towed, not just because he was on a gang watch list. United States v. Jim, 2025 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 118818 (E.D. Cal. June 22, 2025).*

Posted in Cell site location information, Digital privacy, Dog sniff, Good faith exception, Inventory, Reasonable expectation of privacy, Reasonable suspicion, Trespass | Comments Off on CA11: Using BitTorrent to enter def’s computer peer-to-peer wasn’t an unreasonable search

D.P.R.: Nexus to CSLI would show who had the phone to connect it to crime

Defendant had standing to contest a search of this cell phone. While he didn’t attach an affidavit, the motion and other papers say it’s his, as does the consent form. Nothing suggests it’s not. The police got a warrant out of an abundance of caution, and it was based on probable cause. “Finally, Torres’s argument pertaining to the cellphone’s location data is unpersuasive as well. He states that the warrant does not explain how its location pertains to the illegal possession charges. The warrant, however, explains that ‘the evidence on a device can also indicate who has used or controlled the device. This ‘user attribution’ evidence is analogous to the search for ‘indicia of occupancy’ while executing a search warrant at a residence.’ (Docket No. 91-7 at p. 11.) So, the warrant does explain why the cellphone’s location is relevant.” United States v. Torres-Díaz, 2025 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 117857 (D.P.R. June 20, 2025).

“Defendant argues that constitutional law, Michigan law, and federal law require that a warrant be properly recorded, and that failure to do so warrants suppression of the evidence in this case. The reason this argument is wrong is because the Fourth Amendment itself does not require that a warrant be recorded after its execution, other federal law requirements do not apply to a state-issued warrant executed by state officers, and state law requirements are irrelevant in determining what evidence is admissible in federal criminal proceedings.” United States v. Hill, 2025 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 117882 (E.D. Mich. June 20, 2025).*

Defendant’s claim the search warrant materials were all created after the search fails in his Franks challenge. United States v. Bowman, 2025 U.S. App. LEXIS 15312 (6th Cir. June 20, 2025).*

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IA: Fanny pack handed off to another on arrest was subject to search incident

On being arrested, defendant removed his fanny pack and handed it to another. It was still subject to search incident. State v. Scullark, 2025 Iowa Sup. LEXIS 74 (June 20, 2025):

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S.D.Tex.: Judge shopping SW request noted, and denied again

It appears to this USMJ that the government is judge shopping. After denial of a warrant request, the government reapplied which was first assigned to another USMJ who transferred it here. Rejected again for the same reason. Defect not cured. In re Sealed Search Warrant Application, 2025 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 117345 (S.D. Tex. June 20, 2025).

Probable cause to arrest satisfied Rodriguez. Also, defendant didn’t have standing as a passenger. United States v. Clarke, 2025 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 117813 (S.D.N.Y. June 20, 2025).*

Omission of the CI’s criminal history which didn’t include dishonesty wasn’t enough for a Franks violation when compared to the other facts. Also, no materiality. United States v. Martinez, 2025 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 117531 (W.D. Ky. June 20, 2025).*

In a public place, the officer could ask defendant to empty his pockets rather than frisk him. Drugs then came in plain view. Osborne v. Commonwealth, 2025 Ky. LEXIS 33 (June 20, 2025).*

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TX4: State can’t rely on community caretaking function where it didn’t make a record below

The state couldn’t rely on the community caretaking function exception on appeal where it didn’t develop the record for it below. State v. Young, 2025 Tex. App. LEXIS 4196 (Tex. App. – San Antonio June 18, 2025).

Defendant can’t make a challenge to the search warrant he didn’t put in the record. Feagins v. State, 2025 Tex. App. LEXIS 4285 (Tex. App. – Ft. Worth June 19, 2025).*

The officers clearly had probable cause to arrest defendant for bank robberies. United States v. Spratt, 2025 U.S. App. LEXIS 15194 (8th Cir. June 20, 2025).*

There was a fact question for trial on whether arresting plaintiff was reasonable. District court’s denial of qualified immunity denied. Willis v. Mills, 2025 U.S. App. LEXIS 15196 (8th Cir. June 20, 2025).*

Posted in Arrest or entry on arrest, Burden of proof, Community caretaking function, Probable cause, Waiver, Warrant papers | Comments Off on TX4: State can’t rely on community caretaking function where it didn’t make a record below

Reason: Florida Used a Nationwide Surveillance Camera Network 250 Times To Aid in Immigration Arrests

Reason: Florida Used a Nationwide Surveillance Camera Network 250 Times To Aid in Immigration Arrests by Autumn Billings (“Flock Safety’s 40,000 cameras present in over 5,000 communities across the U.S. are being used to detain undocumented immigrants, many of whom have no criminal history.”)

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N.D.Ill.: Particularity is a function of what’s known

“That said, specificity is ‘relative,’ and a warrant ‘need not be more specific than knowledge allows.’ United States v. Bishop, 910 F.3d 335, 338 (7th Cir. 2018). In other words, law enforcement is required to particularize a warrant only to the extent it is reasonably able to do so based on the facts it knows at the time it obtains the warrant. See id. Officers’ knowledge about the evidence they are looking for and where it may be found on a cell phone is thus significant in determining whether a warrant is sufficiently particularized. See id.; see also Socha, 107 F.4th at 709-10.” United States v. Davis, 2025 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 116354 (N.D. Ill. June 18, 2025).

2254 petitioner had his full and fair opportunity to litigate his search and seizure claim, and the state court’s holding he didn’t timely file and would have lost anyway was his Stone opportunity. Flook v. Haynes, 2025 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 116709 (E.D. Wash. June 18, 2025).*

The officers’ use of nondeadly force against an apparent mentally ill plaintiff who was flailing and resisting arrest was reasonable under established precedent. Helms v. Boyd Cty. Sheriff’s Dep’t, 2025 U.S. App. LEXIS 15112 (6th Cir. June 17, 2025).*

Defendant shows no connection to the package he seeks to suppress. “None of the facts attested to in Sherman’s affidavit connect the package to him. It was not addressed to him, and the address to which it was sent was associated with a Rebeca Ruiz, not Edmundo Ruiz, Jr. The return address also did not bear his name, and it was associated with several commercial properties, not Edmundo Ruiz, Jr.” United States v. Ruiz, 2025 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 116091 (N.D. Ohio June 18, 2025).*

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TX5: Failure to swear an oath or affirmation before the issuing judge was fatal to warrant

Failure to swear an oath or affirmation before the issuing judge was fatal to this warrant. He signed it but didn’t acknowledge swearing to it. “the Court of Criminal Appeals has specifically explained that ‘to convey the solemnity and critical nature of being truthful,’ Texas law requires that ‘the oath must be made ‘before’ or in the presence of another.’” Moreover, the good faith exception does not apply. State v. Hardridge, 2025 Tex. App. LEXIS 4126 (Tex. App. – Dallas June 16, 2025).

Defendant consented to a patdown before getting in the police car for a courtesy ride. Hall v. State, 2025 Fla. App. LEXIS 4677 (Fla. 5th DCA June 18, 2025).*

“Turning to Defendant’s [Franks] challenge, he does not identify any statement by any affiant that is purportedly false, misleading, or made with reckless disregard for the truth. … This alone constitutes reason enough to deny his request for a Franks hearing.” United States v. Dewberry, 2025 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 116473 (S.D. Ohio June 18, 2025).*

Defendant doesn’t show how the challenged statement is false in context. Franks hearing denied. United States v. Chattams, 2025 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 116479 (S.D. Ohio June 18, 2025).*

Posted in Consent, Franks doctrine, Neutral and detached magistrate, Warrant papers | Comments Off on TX5: Failure to swear an oath or affirmation before the issuing judge was fatal to warrant

Reason: Federal Courts Shrug at Potentially Lethal Wrong-Door Raids

Reason: Federal Courts Shrug at Potentially Lethal Wrong-Door Raids by Jacob Sullen (“Cops should not be free to forgo the modicum of care required to make sure they’re in the right place.”)

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Reason: South Carolina County Ends Its Civil Forfeiture Blitz After 20 Years

Reason: South Carolina County Ends Its Civil Forfeiture Blitz After 20 Years by Rob Johnson & Daryl James (“Operation Rolling Thunder was an unconstitutional search-and-seizure machine that subjected thousands of innocent people to pretextual, warrantless searches. Public records show that officers routinely pulled over vehicles on the flimsiest of excuses and then manufactured probable cause to check under seats, open trunks, and unzip suitcases. During one encounter that led to a federal complaint, officers stopped a charter bus from Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina, and treated every student on board like a criminal. Yet when the police rummaged through the luggage bay, they found nothing illegal—just travel supplies and a box of donuts.”)

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NE: Cell phone search in Belize was valid there, admissible here; no joint venture shown

Defendant was charged with murder and ultimately arrested in Belize and deported. His Belize cell phone was valid under their law, and he doesn’t show a joint venture in the phone search. State v. Scott, 319 Neb. 153 (June 13, 2025).

The motion to suppress was untimely. Besides, the defendant lacked standing, and the automobile exception made it reasonable. United States v. Floyd, 2025 U.S. App. LEXIS 14737 (8th Cir. June 16, 2025).*

Touching then crossing the white line justified this traffic stop. “Furthermore, as set forth above, the commission of even a de minimis traffic violation, of which a marked lanes violation qualifies, provides probable cause to stop a vehicle.” State v. Tucker, 2025-Ohio-2108 (4th Dist. June 6, 2025).*

An Instagram video of men playing with guns led to this stop-and-frisk. The officers could frisk the men for weapons because their pockets were bulging too. Drugs were found in a valid plain feel. United States v. Collins, 2025 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 114026 (D.N.J. June 16, 2025).*

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Bloomberg: Counsel Have Toolbox to Fight Geofence Warrants as Split Widens

Bloomberg: Counsel Have Toolbox to Fight Geofence Warrants as Split Widens by Pei Pei Cheng de Castro & Jennifer Hopkins:

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W.D.Okla.: Prison cell search not following policy not a 4A violation

Guard not following prison policy by conducting a cell search alone doesn’t violate the Fourth Amendment. United States v. Freeman, 2025 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 112882 (W.D. Okla. June 13, 2025).

Plaintiff EMT’s drug test for an accident in his ambulance was justified by reasonable suspicion. Woods v. City of Baton Rouge Through the Dep’t of Emergency Med. Servs., 2025 La. App. LEXIS 1107 (La. App. 1 Cir June 14, 2025).

The state’s argument against suppression belies the standard of review: “Even so, the State argues that ‘[t]he trial court’s findings on Officer Sheridan’s credibility should be regarded with skepticism’ and that ‘this Court should discount the trial court’s decision to supplant its determination about [Zorn]’s slurred speech … for that of Officer Sheridan,’ but these arguments belie the proper standard of review since the trial court is the sole fact-finder at a suppression hearing, and we defer to those findings.” State v. Zorn, 2025 Tex. App. LEXIS 4083 (Tex. App. – Texarkana June 12, 2025).*

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LAT: Fears of racial profiling rise as Border Patrol conducts ‘roving patrols,’ detains U.S. citizens

LAT: Fears of racial profiling rise as Border Patrol conducts ‘roving patrols,’ detains U.S. citizens by Brittny Mejia & Rachel Uranga (“Brian Gavidia had stepped out from working on a car at a tow yard in a Los Angeles suburb Thursday when armed, masked men — wearing vests with ‘Border Patrol’ on them — pushed him up against a metal gate and demanded to know where he was born. ‘I’m American, bro!’ 29-year-old Gavidia pleaded, in video taken by a friend.”).

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DE: There was RS for handcuffing and frisk of visitor during a probation search

Defendant was a visitor in a home subjected to a probation search, and his movements and words justified handcuffing him to maintain the status quo and then patting him down. “Therefore, Roane’s behavior created both reasonable, articulable suspicion regarding both criminal activity and a legitimate fear for officer safety, and once the heroin was located, the officers were constitutionally permitted to continue their search incident to arrest which led to the discovery of the crack cocaine.” State v. Roane, 2025 Del. Super. LEXIS 301 (June 13, 2025).

The officer’s drawing his weapon during a nighttime stop was not unreasonable considering he was alone and it didn’t transform the stop into an arrest. Looking at the back seat was reasonable. The smell of marijuana then justified the vehicle search. United States v. Alvarez, 2025 U.S. App. LEXIS 14656 (11th Cir. June 13, 2025).*

Defendant wasn’t entitled to a Miranda warning before implied consent to a BAC test.
Watters v. State, 2025 Ga. App. LEXIS 243 (June 13, 2025).*

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W.D.La.: No REP in state pretrial release GPS connecting def to federal crimes

Defendant was on pretrial release on an unrelated state case. As a condition of release, he agreed to a GPS monitor by a private provider who reported to the court. The government used his location information to connect him to crimes while on release. He both had no reasonable expectation of privacy in his movements and he consented to it. And, “even if the use of the GPS ankle monitor constituted an unconstitutional search, the arrest warrant was based on separate, untainted evidence, and the officers executed the warrant in good faith.” United States v. Mitchell, 2025 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 112424 (W.D. La. May 28, 2025).

The officer’s drawing his weapon during a nighttime stop was not unreasonable considering he was alone and it didn’t transform the stop into an arrest. Looking at the back seat was reasonable. The smell of marijuana then justified the vehicle search. United States v. Alvarez, 2025 U.S. App. LEXIS 14656 (11th Cir. June 13, 2025).*

Defendant wasn’t entitled to a Miranda warning before implied consent to a BAC test. Watters v. State, 2025 Ga. App. LEXIS 243 (June 13, 2025).*

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OH1: Protective sweep unjustified; inevitable discovery alternative waived by state by lack of preservation

The protective sweep here was unreasonable because the only gun the officers knew anything about had already been found and there were no people to look for. The trial court erred in overruling the motion to suppress. The state waived inevitable discovery by not presenting it below. State v. Curry, 2025-Ohio-2083 (1st Dist. June 13, 2025).

Nexus is shown: “In this case, the Affidavit of Probable Cause contains direct evidence that establishes a nexus between Defendant, his alleged criminal activity, and the 303 Gardner Street residence. The Affidavit of Probable Cause outlined Defendant’s participation in an ongoing and protracted drug trafficking conspiracy principally involving his brother Akilees, including a controlled purchase of fentanyl at Defendant’s 303 Gardner Street residence from a historically reliable CI.” United States v. Hobson, 2025 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 112501 (M.D. Pa. June 13, 2025).*

This child pornography warrant wasn’t stale, and it showed probable cause for computers, a vehicle, and his person. And the good faith exception applies in any event. United States v. Allen, 2025 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 112884 (N.D. Ga. May 22, 2025).* [Note: the opinion says it was called “amazingly stale” in the pleadings. I have yet to read an opinion that a child porn warrant was ever stale. It’s more likely than anything to be kept. I had a client with a 40+ year old collection in every form: pre-computer magazines, films, and on every size and form of computer media.]

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SD: Search incident to mental health hold was reasonable; container in pocket could be opened

Defendant was detained on a mental health hold and his pockets were searched. He didn’t contest the search, just the opening of a container, which was reasonable here. State v. Parris, 2025 S.D. 27 (June 13, 2025).

Plaintiff’s decedent was high on PCP and actively resisting and thrashing around while handcuffed. Drive stunning him [using the Taser’s probes] was not unreasonable. Anderson v. Estrada, 2025 U.S. App. LEXIS 14673 (5th Cir. June 13, 2025).*

Defendant is charged with arson in interstate commerce. With tower dump warrants his cell phone was present in the area of nine of 18 fires when they happened. Then a tracking warrant was obtained for his vehicle. All were with probable cause. A Franks claim is denied because the asserted omission isn’t. United States v. Pricop, 2025 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 112722 (D. Ariz. June 13, 2025).*

Plaintiff inmate has a possible administrative remedy, but no Fourth Amendment claim. Baltas v. Snyder, 2025 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 112799 (D. Conn. June 13, 2025).*

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