Reports are confirming that Silicon Valley police have launched an official probe into the kidnapped Apple iPhone prototype purchased and then displayed as an exclusive story by Gizmodo.com after the device was allegedly left behind in a Redwood City bar by an Apple software engineer on March 18th.
"Apple has spoken to local police about the incident and the investigation is believed to be headed by a computer crime task force led by the Santa Clara County district attorney's office, the source said."
The purpose of the investigation is to determine whether sufficient evidence exists to file criminal charges since the transaction involving the new unreleased iPhone model may have violated criminal laws, a law enforcement official told CNET on Friday.
"Under a California law dating back to 1872, any person who finds lost property and knows who the owner is likely to be but "appropriates such property to his own use" is guilty of theft."
Police would not confirm if the ongoing investigation is targeting Gizmodo.com, or targeting its source who reportedly found the iPhone in the bar, according to CNET. It's too early to know if either party will actually be charged with a crime. Apple has failed to release a statement since the news broke about the mislaid iPhone on Monday.
You can read more details on this developing story via CNET.
I hope Gizmodo gets sued... I dont even think other blogs like Engadget would of posted a story like that. They are milking it for all its worth.. Its one thing to get it for a story. But to disect it and pretty much exploit everything possible. If you found or heard of an iPhone prototype missing and you run a tech blog...
YOU KNOW 100% your not suppose to have it. Its common sense. Post a few pics and get it back to someone.
What they did is tasteless and wrong, All for a min of fame.
I wont read there shitty blog anymore I lost all respect for it. Theres a limit and they clearly crossed the line on that one.
Posted by: Daryl G | April 24, 2010 at 01:01 PM
Seriously, instead the police should be investigating whether or not Jason Chen's head is violating the law for posting a popular blog or not..
Seriously seriously, Apple should have sue Gizmodo for allowing its fugly (fuckin' ugly) face editor to unveiled the 'pre-release' next iPhone..
Seriously seriously seriously, Ray I love your site, I really do, but please pretty please don't use that picture above showing Jason Chen's fugly face for any future post.. Cuz I might puke if I ever see that fugly face again..
Thanks man!
Posted by: Antwoine | April 23, 2010 at 11:07 PM