LITITZ, Pa. (WHTM) - A Lancaster County constable has been charged with stalking after an Apple AirTag was found inside a victim's vehicle.
East Lampeter Township Police say in June they learned a man was receiving notifications that an AirTag was following him. AirTags are traditionally used to help users track and find items like their keys or wallets, however there have been instances where AirTags have been placed on people.
The victim was able to play a sound on the AirTag but could not locate it. Police were able to find the device on an adhesive mount adhered to the underside of the front passenger seat trim panel.
Police were able to find the serial number and the owner's phone number which was traced to Shawn Sponagle of Lititz. According to LNP, Sponagle is a constable in Lancaster County.
Sponagle is facing charges of stalking and harassment.
Earlier this year Pennsylvania lawmakers advanced legislation to make tracking someone without their permission a misdemeanor. The bill goes to the Senate, where a separate bill is pending that would make the crime a second-degree misdemeanor, or punishable by up to two years in jail. In July the House bill overwhelmingly passed in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Apple has condemned any malicious use of the $29 product. It argued in court that it “took proactive steps” to deter misuse and that it shouldn’t be liable for damage caused by third parties.
Last year, Apple partnered with Google to set standards for fighting secret surveillance with tracking devices.