• Re: The cell phone is now considered a criminal tool by LE

    From Carlos E.R.@3:633/10 to All on Monday, August 24, 2026 21:54:42
    On 2026-08-24 20:53, Maria Sophia wrote:
    The cell phone is apparently now considered a criminal tool by LE

    What is LE?


    I skim the news every day where today I saw that a billionaire owner of the SF 49'ers is arrested for "engaging in prostitution", which seems odd.
    <https://www.cnn.com/2026/08/24/sport/san-francisco-49ers-owner-arrested>

    Digging into it, I find out he was arrested for "soliciting" a prostitute. That's not so odd. Actually, he solicited a sting LE agent with his phone.

    He forfeited $160, presumably cash which was a present for the lady.
    That's not so odd either (other than now we know how much it costs).

    His lawyers apparently bargained LE down to "disorderly conduct".
    <https://www.footballscoop.com/2026/08/24/49ers-owner-jed-york-arrested-at-mobile-home-park-in-ohio>

    However his no-contest plea included an odd "possession of criminal tools". Huh?

    Q: What criminal tool do you need to be convicted of "disorderly conduct"?
    A: Turns out, the "criminal tool" is his cell phone.


    --
    Cheers, Carlos.
    ES??, EU??;

    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.19
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From Your Name@3:633/10 to All on Tuesday, August 25, 2026 10:46:44
    On 2026-08-24 19:54:42 +0000, Carlos E.R. said:
    On 2026-08-24 20:53, Maria Sophia wrote:
    The cell phone is apparently now considered a criminal tool by LE

    What is LE?

    Law Enforcement




    I skim the news every day where today I saw that a billionaire owner of the >> SF 49'ers is arrested for "engaging in prostitution", which seems odd.
    <https://www.cnn.com/2026/08/24/sport/san-francisco-49ers-owner-arrested>

    Digging into it, I find out he was arrested for "soliciting" a prostitute. >> That's not so odd. Actually, he solicited a sting LE agent with his phone. >>
    He forfeited $160, presumably cash which was a present for the lady.
    That's not so odd either (other than now we know how much it costs).

    His lawyers apparently bargained LE down to "disorderly conduct".
    <https://www.footballscoop.com/2026/08/24/49ers-owner-jed-york-arrested-at-mobile-home-park-in-ohio>


    However his no-contest plea included an odd "possession of criminal tools". >> Huh?

    Q: What criminal tool do you need to be convicted of "disorderly conduct"? >> A: Turns out, the "criminal tool" is his cell phone.



    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.19
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From Carlos E.R.@3:633/10 to All on Tuesday, August 25, 2026 01:57:11
    On 2026-08-25 00:46, Your Name wrote:
    On 2026-08-24 19:54:42 +0000, Carlos E.R. said:
    On 2026-08-24 20:53, Maria Sophia wrote:
    The cell phone is apparently now considered a criminal tool by LE

    What is LE?

    Law Enforcement

    Ahhh. And which country are we talking about this time? ;-)

    We keep forgetting people here are from many countries.


    I skim the news every day where today I saw that a billionaire
    owner of the SF 49'ers is arrested for "engaging in
    prostitution", which seems odd. <https://www.cnn.com/2026/08/24/
    sport/san-francisco-49ers-owner- arrested>

    Digging into it, I find out he was arrested for "soliciting" a
    prostitute. That's not so odd. Actually, he solicited a sting LE
    agent with his phone.

    He forfeited $160, presumably cash which was a present for the lady.
    That's not so odd either (other than now we know how much it costs).

    His lawyers apparently bargained LE down to "disorderly conduct".
    <https://www.footballscoop.com/2026/08/24/49ers-owner-jed-york-
    arrested-at-mobile-home-park-in-ohio>

    However his no-contest plea included an odd "possession of criminal
    tools".
    Huh?

    Q: What criminal tool do you need to be convicted of "disorderly
    conduct"?
    A: Turns out, the "criminal tool" is his cell phone.




    --
    Cheers, Carlos.
    ES??, EU??;

    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.19
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From Your Name@3:633/10 to All on Tuesday, August 25, 2026 12:46:11
    On 2026-08-24 23:57:11 +0000, Carlos E.R. said:
    On 2026-08-25 00:46, Your Name wrote:
    On 2026-08-24 19:54:42 +0000, Carlos E.R. said:
    On 2026-08-24 20:53, Maria Sophia wrote:
    The cell phone is apparently now considered a criminal tool by LE

    What is LE?

    Law Enforcement

    Ahhh. And which country are we talking about this time? ;-)

    We keep forgetting people here are from many countries.

    No idea, but if it doesn't say you can probably guess it is USA ... as
    we all know, there are no other countries on the planet.



    I skim the news every day where today I saw that a billionaire
    owner of the SF 49'ers is arrested for "engaging in
    prostitution", which seems odd. <https://www.cnn.com/2026/08/24/
    sport/san-francisco-49ers-owner- arrested>

    Digging into it, I find out he was arrested for "soliciting" a
    prostitute. That's not so odd. Actually, he solicited a sting LE
    agent with his phone.

    He forfeited $160, presumably cash which was a present for the lady.
    That's not so odd either (other than now we know how much it costs).

    His lawyers apparently bargained LE down to "disorderly conduct".
    <https://www.footballscoop.com/2026/08/24/49ers-owner-jed-york-
    arrested-at-mobile-home-park-in-ohio>

    However his no-contest plea included an odd "possession of criminal tools".
    Huh?

    Q: What criminal tool do you need to be convicted of "disorderly conduct"? >>>> A: Turns out, the "criminal tool" is his cell phone.



    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.19
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From The Real Bev@3:633/10 to All on Tuesday, August 25, 2026 09:23:35
    On 8/24/26 18:21, Maria Sophia wrote:
    Your Name wrote:
    We keep forgetting people here are from many countries.

    No idea, but if it doesn't say you can probably guess it is USA ... as
    we all know, there are no other countries on the planet.

    Well, to be fair to me, if someone clicks on the links, they'd know that.
    <https://www.reuters.com/sports/reports-49ers-owner-jed-york-arrested-ohio-over-weekend--flm-2026-08-24/>

    But to always add value, bear in mind the oddity we're discussing here is
    the cell phone is a "criminal tool" when used for "disorderly conduct"...

    Apparently, the relevant provision is Ohio Revised Code S 2923.24, "Possessing criminal tools", where the operative language is:
    "No person shall possess or have under the person's control
    any substance, device, instrument, or article, with purpose
    to use it criminally.

    Apparently, in Ohio at least, a phone can become a 'criminal tool' when the defendant possesses it with the purpose of using it to commit a crime.

    Where did you read that the 'criminal tool' was a phone? I wondered
    about that and looked at several sources for the story but found
    nothing. I have heard the word 'tool' used for male genitalia, but I
    don't think it's ever used as a plural in this context.

    Another story lacking in essential information: How did those guys, one
    of whom died, get stuck in the mud in Death Valley in August? Nobody mentioned flash floods, so that probably wasn't the problem.
    While this billionaire was initially charged with "engaging in
    prostitution", he got off lightly with "disorderly conduct", whereas this
    guy fared worse, apparently doing the exact same thing...

    In State v. Newberry, 2025-Ohio-586, the defendant arranged
    a sexual encounter with an undercover officer and was charged
    with both engaging in prostitution and possessing criminal tools.

    The defendant said it wasn't a criminal tool. He said it was a phone.
    The case made it all the way to the Ohio Supreme Court, it seems.
    <https://www.supremecourt.ohio.gov/rod/docs/pdf/7/2025/2025-Ohio-586.pdf>

    Before that, this guy said a phone can't be a criminal tool & he lost too.
    State v. Williams, 2018-Ohio-4612
    <https://www.supremecourt.ohio.gov/rod/docs/PDF/8/2018/2018-Ohio-4612.pdf>

    And if we consider this guy was gonna give the lady a $160 gift, this guy upped the ante by offering the LE lady a whopping $180 to buy that GFE.
    "In State v. Keirns, 2024-Ohio-3177, the defendant communicated
    with someone he believed to be offering prostitution services,
    arranged a meeting in East Palestine, and agreed to pay $180."

    "He was charged with engaging in prostitution and possessing
    criminal tools. The prostitution count was eventually dismissed,
    but the criminal-tools charge went forward in connection with
    other offenses."
    <https://www.supremecourt.ohio.gov/rod/docs/pdf/7/2024/2024-Ohio-3177.pdf>

    That's the exact same town as where our billionaire SF 49'ers owner got it! Tough town!

    Just goes to show that you lose privacy whenever you pay for something.

    I didn't know they were still arresting johns anywhere. Or is it only politicians that LE dislikes?

    --
    Cheers, Bev
    "Incontinence hotline, can you hold?"

    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.19
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From The Real Bev@3:633/10 to All on Tuesday, August 25, 2026 20:13:23
    On 8/25/26 09:49, Maria Sophia wrote:
    Bev wrote:
    Another story lacking in essential information: How did those guys, one
    of whom died, get stuck in the mud in Death Valley in August? Nobody
    mentioned flash floods, so that probably wasn't the problem.

    I agree with you that the news leaves out what needs to be stated.
    I was wondering about that mud also when I read it in the news today.
    <https://www.nps.gov/deva/learn/news/2026-08-21.htm>

    News ain't what it used to be. Curiously enough, the London Daily Mail frequently has much better coverage and photos of local US events. I
    conclude that they pay independent journalists a lot more than anybody
    else. This wasn't that noteworthy an event, though.
    Two French men and no cell service and no other vehicles
    Stuck in mud was due, apparently, to a low-lying salt-flat depression
    68-year-old Pierre Michel Formosa died after only 1.3 miles on foot
    Ambient temperatures that day reached 116øF (47øC)
    The partner reported it at 2pm

    <https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2026-08-23/french-visitor-dies-vehicle-breaks-down-116-degrees-death-valley>

    The park suggested they should have stayed with the vehicle.
    Shade. Visibility.
    No mention of water or food. Unless DV does regular helicopter patrols
    I don't see how they could have been found except by pure luck. They
    could have started a fire...

    Even on the main road coming in from the west there's no cell service.
    Friends hit a [speed]bump that flattened both tires and had to wait for someone to come along and carry the message to Stovepipe Wells or
    equivalent. I love Death Valley, but it's better on a dirtbike in the
    winter.

    --
    Cheers, Bev
    Of course SoCal has four seasons:
    Earthquake, Mudslide, Brushfire, and Riot


    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.19
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From David Lesher@3:633/10 to All on Wednesday, August 26, 2026 23:49:01


    However his no-contest plea included an odd "possession of criminal tools". >> Huh?

    Maybe his penis????

    --
    A host is a host from coast to coast...............wb8foz@panix.com
    & no one will talk to a host that's close..........................
    Unless the host (that isn't close).........................pob 1433
    is busy, hung or dead....................................20915-1433

    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.19
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From Your Name@3:633/10 to All on Thursday, August 27, 2026 15:25:50
    On 2026-08-26 23:49:01 +0000, David Lesher said:

    However his no-contest plea included an odd "possession of criminal tools". >>> Huh?

    Maybe his penis????

    For most criminals, their "criminal tool" is their brain ... almost
    always the fact that they do not have one. :-p




    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.19
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From Steve Hayes@3:633/10 to All on Thursday, August 27, 2026 06:21:31
    On Mon, 24 Aug 2026 20:53:16 +0200, Maria Sophia <mariasophia@comprehension.com> wrote:

    The cell phone is apparently now considered a criminal tool by LE

    Who is spam assassin and why doesn't it like my question?

    --
    Steve Hayes from Tshwane, South Africa
    Web: http://www.khanya.org.za/stevesig.htm
    Blog: http://methodius.blogspot.com
    E-mail - see web page, or parse: shayes at dunelm full stop org full stop uk

    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.19
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From Steve Hayes@3:633/10 to All on Thursday, August 27, 2026 06:22:22
    On Mon, 24 Aug 2026 20:53:16 +0200, Maria Sophia <mariasophia@comprehension.com> wrote:

    The cell phone is apparently now considered a criminal tool by LE

    Who or what is ell eee?


    --
    Steve Hayes from Tshwane, South Africa
    Web: http://www.khanya.org.za/stevesig.htm
    Blog: http://methodius.blogspot.com
    E-mail - see web page, or parse: shayes at dunelm full stop org full stop uk

    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.19
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From Steve Hayes@3:633/10 to All on Thursday, August 27, 2026 06:25:18
    On Mon, 24 Aug 2026 20:53:16 +0200, Maria Sophia <mariasophia@comprehension.com> wrote:

    The cell phone is apparently now considered a criminal tool by LE


    Who or what is LE?


    --
    Steve Hayes from Tshwane, South Africa
    Web: http://www.khanya.org.za/stevesig.htm
    Blog: http://methodius.blogspot.com
    E-mail - see web page, or parse: shayes at dunelm full stop org full stop uk

    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.19
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From Steve Hayes@3:633/10 to All on Thursday, August 27, 2026 06:27:10
    On Mon, 24 Aug 2026 20:53:16 +0200, Maria Sophia <mariasophia@comprehension.com> wrote:

    The cell phone is apparently now considered a criminal tool by LE

    Who or what is spam assassin and why won't it let me ask a question
    about an incomprehensible abbreviation?


    --
    Steve Hayes from Tshwane, South Africa
    Web: http://www.khanya.org.za/stevesig.htm
    Blog: http://methodius.blogspot.com
    E-mail - see web page, or parse: shayes at dunelm full stop org full stop uk

    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.19
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From The Real Bev@3:633/10 to All on Wednesday, August 26, 2026 23:12:38
    On 8/26/26 21:27, Steve Hayes wrote:
    On Mon, 24 Aug 2026 20:53:16 +0200, Maria Sophia <mariasophia@comprehension.com> wrote:

    The cell phone is apparently now considered a criminal tool by LE

    Who or what is spam assassin and why won't it let me ask a question
    about an incomprehensible abbreviation?

    Impatient, aren't you? Law Enforcement.

    --
    Cheers, Bev
    Organized people will never know the sheer joyous ecstasy of finding
    something that was believed to have been irretrievably lost.
    -- D. Stern

    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.19
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From Carlos E.R.@3:633/10 to All on Thursday, August 27, 2026 08:54:41
    On 2026-08-27 06:27, Steve Hayes wrote:
    On Mon, 24 Aug 2026 20:53:16 +0200, Maria Sophia <mariasophia@comprehension.com> wrote:

    The cell phone is apparently now considered a criminal tool by LE

    Who or what is spam assassin and why won't it let me ask a question
    about an incomprehensible abbreviation?

    Ask your Usenet provider.

    I asked what is that abbreviation three days ago, and the answer is
    there, too.

    --
    Cheers, Carlos.
    ES??, EU??;

    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.19
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From Steve Hayes@3:633/10 to All on Thursday, August 27, 2026 12:26:39
    On Thu, 27 Aug 2026 08:54:41 +0200, "Carlos E.R."
    <robin_listas@es.invalid> wrote:

    On 2026-08-27 06:27, Steve Hayes wrote:
    On Mon, 24 Aug 2026 20:53:16 +0200, Maria Sophia
    <mariasophia@comprehension.com> wrote:

    The cell phone is apparently now considered a criminal tool by LE

    Who or what is spam assassin and why won't it let me ask a question
    about an incomprehensible abbreviation?

    Ask your Usenet provider.

    I asked what is that abbreviation three days ago, and the answer is
    there, too.

    I see now. You asked "What?" and " asked "Who?" and was told that Spam
    Assassin had rejected it.

    It seemed to find "Who or what" acceptable.


    --
    Steve Hayes from Tshwane, South Africa
    Web: http://www.khanya.org.za/stevesig.htm
    Blog: http://methodius.blogspot.com
    E-mail - see web page, or parse: shayes at dunelm full stop org full stop uk

    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.19
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From Carlos E. R.@3:633/10 to All on Thursday, August 27, 2026 13:21:48
    On 2026-08-27 12:26, Steve Hayes wrote:
    On Thu, 27 Aug 2026 08:54:41 +0200, "Carlos E.R."
    <robin_listas@es.invalid> wrote:

    On 2026-08-27 06:27, Steve Hayes wrote:
    On Mon, 24 Aug 2026 20:53:16 +0200, Maria Sophia
    <mariasophia@comprehension.com> wrote:

    The cell phone is apparently now considered a criminal tool by LE

    Who or what is spam assassin and why won't it let me ask a question
    about an incomprehensible abbreviation?

    Ask your Usenet provider.

    I asked what is that abbreviation three days ago, and the answer is
    there, too.

    I see now. You asked "What?" and " asked "Who?" and was told that Spam Assassin had rejected it.

    It seemed to find "Who or what" acceptable.

    My posts are not checked with SpamAssassin. Your's are. Again, ask your
    usenet provider to adjust it.

    --
    Cheers,
    Carlos E.R.
    ES??, EU??.

    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.19
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From Alan@3:633/10 to All on Sunday, August 30, 2026 18:18:40
    On 2026-08-24 11:53, Maria Sophia wrote:
    The cell phone is apparently now considered a criminal tool by LE
    Whereas you're considered a tool...

    ...by pretty much everyone!

    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.19
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)