Federal Judge OKs Bug in Suspect's Phone

AP ^ | 2/17/6 | LARRY NEUMEISTER

[SmithL]

New York -- A federal judge said Friday the government was within constitutional boundaries when it put a powerful eavesdropping device in a cell phone, turning a suspected mobster into what one defense lawyer called a "human microphone."

The judge said the government got proper approval from other judges as it steadily increased the scope of audio surveillance in an effort to destroy the leadership of the Gambino crime family during a three-year probe.

The eavesdropping was initially limited to a cell phone and a restaurant but was eventually expanded so the recording device could be used in any location and even when the cell phone was not on.

"In my opinion, the roving bug was not unconstitutional as applied," Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein

[SmithL]

Drastic measures were required after Meadow took the lamp to school.

[SmithL]

Hellerstein, Alvin K.

Born 1933 in New York, NY

Federal Judicial Service:
U. S. District Court, Southern District of New York
Nominated by William J. Clinton on May 15, 1998, to a seat vacated by Louis L. Stanton; Confirmed by the Senate on October 21, 1998, and received commission on October 22, 1998.

Education:
Columbia College, B.A., 1954

Columbia Law School, J.D., 1956

Professional Career:
Law clerk, Hon. Edmund Palmieri, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, 1956-1957
U.S. Army, JAG Corps, 1957-1960
Private practice, New York City, 1960-1998

Race or Ethnicity: White

Gender: Male

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Color me surprised.

[frankjr]

March 15th! I can't wait.