Police Raid Gizmodo Editor Jason Chen’s Home

[Michael Essany]

Apple takes its leaks very seriously.

Just ask Gizmodo Editor Jason Chen. From the sound of it, authorities did everything but send a SWAT team flying in through Chen's living room windows as the consequences of Gizmodo's controversial acquisition of the new iPhone continue to amass.

According to court documents obtained and published online, a search and seizure warrant was issued for Chen's residence. As a result, Chen's pad was raided by California's Rapid Enforcement Allied Computer Team. Four of Chen's computers and two servers were taken into custody. In all, some two dozen pieces of electronic equipment - like hard drives, digital cameras, 4 laptops... etc. - were taken. Chen's own account of the ordeal reveals that police had "broken down" his front door. Upon returning, Chen was also searched by police himself - you know, just in case, Chen had another stolen - I mean "lost" - iPhone on his person.

Gaby Darbyshire, COO of Gawker Media LLC, says the search warrant was invalid under section 1524(g) of the California Penal Code. Darbyshire is playing a language game with the law and suggesting that a reporter's "notes, outtakes, photographs, tapes or other data of whatever sort" cannot be subjected to a police search and seizure.

Chen, who was not home at the time of the authorities arrival, returned to his residence just as officials were cataloging the goods taken from Chen's residence. California law holds that a search warrant can be served between 7am and 10pm.

The real question now is whether Chen will be afforded the same legal protections reserved for journalists. Bloggers, after all, may be treated differently in the eyes of the law, which would then make the confiscation of Chen's computers and servers legal by search warrant. Chen, after all, works fulltime for Gawker Media, but he does so from home.

Who knew that coughing up $5000 for a lost iPhone at a local bar would lead to so much trouble?

It should be noted, however, that despite erroneous reports elsewhere, Chen was not arrested and taken to prison. In other words, Mr. Chen isn't in need of a "jailbreak."

[matthew1111]

wow...Apple is taking over the world, legally!

Wait...They took his computers too?

[MetallicaFan1991]

Is this the douche that showed the iPhone 4G?
I don't like him, ruined the surprise for everyone and the fact that he didn't tell the hardware specs

[2Jaze]

Too damn far.

[whereswaldo]

Don't F*** with Steve Jobs, he'll get you

[ddonuts4]

isnt that actually illegal?

[djrapmarz]

hes a good guy, he leaked info bout the new 4G but he didnt leak the specs....so be surprised when u finally get urs specs

and we are living in a new era, where this would have leaked anyhow....
maybe apple did this on purpose so the new phone can get even more news b4 it comes out and they make a trillion dollars

[battlecrushr]

i heard they took his computer

[kraziebone]

I don't understand why police would be allowed to do this? What reasons were given to give police authority to do this? He had already contacted Apple and the iPhone was given back. If he broke the law then arrest him but I don't see how his personal computers are part of the investigation? This doesn't seem right to me.

[Raptors]

he better has learned his leason. Never MESS with Steve!!!

[kenl]

ya another excuse for me to sell my iphone. not going to support it.

[kalieb]

thats a bunch of Shi* they should be going after the person that left the device at the bar

[H0CKEY]

If i was Jason i would hold this personal against Steve and set revenge and **** the legal way , it would be a messy punishment served ..... people like Steve power trip with all his money , but in the long run might piss off that simple basic person that is mentally unstable with nothing to loose and ................................. Leave that to your imagination

Back to my pink padded room I go. ... Mahahahahahahaaaaaa

[battlecrushr]

Apple takes its leaks very seriously.

Just ask Gizmodo Editor Jason Chen. From the sound of it, authorities did everything but send a SWAT team flying in through Chen's living room windows as the consequences of Gizmodo's controversial acquisition of the new iPhone continue to amass.

According to court documents obtained and published online, a search and seizure warrant was issued for Chen's residence. As a result, Chen's pad was raided by California's Rapid Enforcement Allied Computer Team. Four of Chen's computers and two servers were taken into custody. In all, some two dozen pieces of electronic equipment - like hard drives, digital cameras, 4 laptops... etc. - were taken. Chen's own account of the ordeal reveals that police had "broken down" his front door. Upon returning, Chen was also searched by police himself - you know, just in case, Chen had another stolen - I mean "lost" - iPhone on his person.

Gaby Darbyshire, COO of Gawker Media LLC, says the search warrant was invalid under section 1524(g) of the California Penal Code. Darbyshire is playing a language game with the law and suggesting that a reporter's "notes, outtakes, photographs, tapes or other data of whatever sort" cannot be subjected to a police search and seizure.

Chen, who was not home at the time of the authorities arrival, returned to his residence just as officials were cataloging the goods taken from Chen's residence. California law holds that a search warrant can be served between 7am and 10pm.

The real question now is whether Chen will be afforded the same legal protections reserved for journalists. Bloggers, after all, may be treated differently in the eyes of the law, which would then make the confiscation of Chen's computers and servers legal by search warrant. Chen, after all, works fulltime for Gawker Media, but he does so from home.

Who knew that coughing up $5000 for a lost iPhone at a local bar would lead to so much trouble?

It should be noted, however, that despite erroneous reports elsewhere, Chen was not arrested and taken to prison. In other words, Mr. Chen isn't in need of a "jailbreak."

that just made my day LOL

[MadKillr05]

Is this the douche that showed the iPhone 4G?
I don't like him, ruined the surprise for everyone and the fact that he didn't tell the hardware specs

amen

[SPPassion]

ya another excuse for me to sell my iphone. not going to support it.

Could not agree with you more! Moron's who's complaining about killing the surprise, get a f*ing life! As far not messing with Steve, I think you will see more people turned off by Steve Job's arrogant action. I admire Chen for his guts to share with the world what he got after spending his OWN $5k. Give that guy some credit. Would You! It's a matter of time when some other phone/OS becomes "Cool Sensation".

[Micara57]

This is taking it way too far...

[se23]

yeah this really is a joke! it does sound trivial but wont be buying anymore apple goods. screw them!

[equazian]

WOW and this is just because he had an iphone 4G? that's def not a good reason. stupid cops.

[TheOnlyest]

Could not agree with you more! Moron's who's complaining about killing the surprise, get a f*ing life! As far not messing with Steve, I think you will see more people turned off by Steve Job's arrogant action.

Count me in on this side of the coin, this is the last straw, screw that arrogant jagoff Steve Jobs and his evil empire of greed. No more Apple products for me! Is there a "modmydroid" site?