Some prosecutors push for wiretapping advancements
Some prosecutors push for wiretapping advancements
You probably own a cell phone, a computer, or even an iPad. What if cops could listen in on all of them at once, with just one court order? That's what some prosecutors are asking Pennsylvania state lawmakers for.
Last month, Montgomery Co. authorities busted what they called a major cocaine ring.
"We have cocaine valued at over $200 thousand," said District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman on Jan. 25. "We have 53 cellular telephones. We have prescription pills. We have 92 pounds of marijuana."
But according to Ferman and other prosecutors, sometimes investigations like this don't happen because Pennsylvania's wiretapping laws are outdated.
"Wiretapping is a very, very important tool," said Northampton County D.A. John Morganelli.
Listening-in on drug dealers' phone calls can lead to even bigger fish, but dealers often use multiple cell phones. For each one, cops have to ask a judge for a seperate court order.
"It's a burdensome process," said Morganelli.
Prosecutors said it can add hundreds of man hours to cases where time is essential. Now, some are calling for a change in the law, that would allow just one court order to cover all of a suspect's cell phones, email accounts, and any other communication devices.
Defense attorney Gary Asteak thinks it's a slippery slope that could lead to abuse.
"I don't want to make it an easier for them to tap your phone and then say, 'Sorry we made a mistake,'" he said. "We're going to say, 'Well, if you have nothing to worry about, you shouldn't worry about this.' But you never know."
"I understand the fear, even myself in law enforcement," said Morganelli.
Morganelli and Ferman both believe the risk of abuse is slim, because Pennsylvania has some of the most rigid wiretapping rules in the nation.
Ferman plans to make her case before the state Senate Judiciary Committee in March.
She said several area senators and House representatives support the idea.
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