A Cuban resident of Miami-Dade has been taken into custody this Wednesday, accused of allegedly attaching an Apple AirTag tracker to his ex-girlfriend's car, as reported by authorities.
The Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office (MDSO) apprehended 25-year-old Andrés Ignacio Perea, charging him with installing a tracking device without consent. He also faces charges of property damage from a previous incident, according to jail records.
The arrest report, referenced by local media, indicates that on the night of October 12, officers responded to the 10300 block of Southwest 119th Street after the victim reported that Perea had vandalized her car.
The victim's mother stated that about two weeks before the vandalism, her daughter received a notification on her mobile phone indicating the presence of an Apple AirTag nearby. Upon inspection, they found the device attached to the fender and later identified it as belonging to Perea.
The victim provided police with a photo of the AirTag notification, which displayed the last four digits of the owner's phone number, matching Perea's. Authorities later confirmed that the device was registered in his name.
After an eight-year relationship ended, the woman obtained a five-year restraining order against Perea due to another legal case, as detailed in the Miami-Dade police report.
Perea turned himself in at the MDSO's Kendall District station and was detained at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. A judge set his bail at $5,000.
Under Florida Statute 934.425, effective October 1, 2024, the unauthorized use of tracking devices or applications on another person's vehicle is classified as a third-degree felony. This charge can result in a prison sentence of up to five years, marking a significant shift in the law, which previously considered such actions a misdemeanor.
Legal Implications of Using Tracking Devices in Florida
What is the penalty for using a tracking device without consent in Florida?
Using a tracking device without consent in Florida is considered a third-degree felony, which can lead to a prison sentence of up to five years.
When did the new legislation regarding tracking devices take effect in Florida?
The new legislation concerning the unauthorized use of tracking devices or applications became effective on October 1, 2024, in Florida.
What evidence linked Andrés Ignacio Perea to the Apple AirTag found on the victim's car?
The victim provided a photo of the AirTag notification, showing the last four digits of the owner's phone number, which matched Perea's number. Additionally, authorities confirmed the device was registered in his name.