Police Seize Computers, Servers Of Gizmodo Writer Who Leaked iPhone

One week after tech blog Gizmodo revealed to the world what is believed to be the next-generation iPhone, the weblog is going on the defense after California law enforcement authorities reportedly seized personal property belonging to a writer.

According to a post on Gizmodo.com, a search warrant was executed on Gizmodo writer Jason Chen last Friday at his home in San Mateo County. Documents posted to the website show several computers, servers and an Apple iPod were among the personal effects seized by authorities.

The seizure of items is likely in response to an article published by Chen that allegedly shows a prototype of Apple's newest iPhone. Dubbed "iPhone 4," the device was allegedly found by a man after an Apple developer left it behind in a San Francisco-area bar.


In the article, published on Gizmodo.com April 16h, Chen shows off the many features of what is highly regarded as Apple's newest device. A front-facing camera, the addition of a photography flash and a second microphone are among some of the new features profiled in the video.

According to Gizmodo.com, after the article was published, a representative of Apple asked for the device to be returned -- a move that tech junkies saw as a validation that the iPhone prototype was genuine. Chen reportedly complied with Apple's wishes and returned the device.

Today's publication of search warrant documents is just the latest in what will be a lengthy investigation into how Chen and Gizmodo obtained the phone. The search warrant alleges the property seized may have been "used as the means of committing a felony" and that "it tends to show that a felony has been committed." The documents specifically mentions Apple's "4G iPhone" as well as Apple employee Gray Powell, who Gizmodo.com reported as the developer who lost the initial prototype.

In a statement released on the tech blog, Chen alleges officers searched his property when he and his wife were not home.

"Officers...said they had a warrant to search my house and any vehicles on the property 'in my control,'" Chen wrote. "They told me they were here for a 'few hours already,' and had to break the front door open because I wasn't home to open the door."

Chen and Gizmodo.com's parent company Gawker contest that under state and federal law, a search warrant does not grant county law enforcement the right to seize the "property of a journalist." California law also protects journalists who refuse to turn over anonymous sources.