Source: https://www.fcc.gov/print/node/42608
Timestamp: 2015-07-05 08:28:19
Document Index: 682385470

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 503', '§ 302', '§ 2', '§ 301', '§ 15', '§ 154']

Garcia Cited for Selling Jammer to Undercover Agent on craigslist.org.
Word Document [1]PDF Document [2]Text Document [3]	Released: October 5, 2012
DA 12-1592
James Christopher Garcia
File No.: EB-SED-12-00004450
Craigslist PostingID 3025710417
ILLEGAL MARKETING AND OPERATION OF SIGNAL JAMMING DEVICE
Adopted: October 5, 2012
This is an official CITATION AND ORDER (Citation) issued pursuant to Section 503(b)(5) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended (Communications Act),1 to James Christopher Garcia (Mr. Garcia or “you”) for marketing an illegal signal jamming device (jamming device or jammer) by posting a classified advertisement for the device on Craigslist.org2 and selling such device to an undercover Enforcement Bureau (Bureau) agent in violation of Section 302(b) of the Communications Act3 and Sections 2.803 and 15.201(b) of the Federal Communications Commission (Commission or FCC) rules (Rules).4 The Citation also finds that Mr. Garcia operated an illegal jamming device in violation of Sections 301, 302, and 333 of the Communications Act.5
Jamming devices, such as cell phone jammers and GPS blockers, pose serious risks to critical public safety communications and can prevent individuals from making 9-1-1 and other emergency calls. Jammers can also interfere with law enforcement communications. You should take immediate steps to come into compliance and to avoid any recurrence of this misconduct. For example, any operation of a signal jammer must cease immediately, and you are strongly encouraged to voluntarily relinquish any jamming device(s) remaining in your possession. You also may not advertise jamming devices for sale to any consumer in the United States through Craigslist or through any other means. 1 47 U.S.C. § 503(b)(5).2 See http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/mob/3025710417.html [4] dated May 19, 2012 (last visited May 21, 2012). Craigslist.org (Craigslist) is a website with classified ads and forums devoted to jobs, housing, personals, goods, services, and local activities. See http://www.craigslist.org/about/factsheet [5] (last visited Oct. 4, 2012).
3 47 U.S.C. § 302a(b).4 47 C.F.R. §§ 2.803, 15.201(b).5 47 U.S.C. §§ 301, 302, 333; see also 47 C.F.R. § 15.1(c).
DA 12-1592 3.
We emphasize that the mere posting of a jamming device for sale on Craigslist or any other online site or bulletin board targeting U.S. consumers contravenes federal law. Consistent with this federal prohibition, Craigslist expressly bars the sale and advertisement of signal jamming devices on its site.6 Therefore, you have not only violated federal law, but also contravened the contractual agreement that governs your use of Craigslist. We will forward a copy of this Citation to Craigslist for any action it may find appropriate under the Craigslist Terms of Use. 4.
As explained below and as provided in the Communications Act, future violations of the Rules in this regard may subject you to substantial monetary penalties, seizure of equipment, and criminal sanctions. Pursuant to Sections 4(i), 4(j), and 403 of the Communications Act,7 we also direct you to: Ÿ
confirm within fifteen (15) calendar days after the release date of this Citation that you have ceased marketing (e.g., advertising, selling) and operating any jamming device; Ÿ
provide information concerning the source(s) from which you purchased or received the jamming device you advertised and sold on Craigslist as well as any other jamming devices you may have, or previously may have had, in your possession; and
provide information concerning any jammer sales that you may have made. II.
On May 21, 2012, the Spectrum Enforcement Division of the Bureau, through its market surveillance efforts, observed an advertisement for a jamming device on Craigslist.8 The advertisement was titled “Handheld Signal Jammer - $249 (Shirlington)” and read: “New Handheld Signal Jammer for all Nationwide Networks. Can be used anyplace where mobile cellular phones and GPS are prohibited. Please email me if you wish to purchase it. Payment via money order or cash.”9
On the same day, Bureau staff responded to the Craigslist posting via email and inquired about the jamming device.10 Mr. Garcia replied to this email inquiry, confirmed that he was offering the signal jammer for sale,11 and explained that the jammer effectively jams wireless communications within a radius of 25-30 feet. On May 24, 2012, an undercover Bureau agent, with the support of local law enforcement, made contact with Mr. Garcia at a predetermined location. Mr. Garcia presented the signal jamming device to the undercover Bureau agent after assembling the antennas and powering on the device. Mr. Garcia urged the agent to verify that it was in good condition and then accepted payment. The undercover Bureau agent then revealed his identity and notified Mr. Garcia that it is illegal to advertise, sell, or operate a signal jamming device in the United States. Mr. Garcia was further questioned by the law enforcement officers and voluntarily surrendered the signal jamming device to the undercover Bureau agent. 6 See http://www.craigslist.org/about/prohibited.items [6] (last visited July 30, 2012).7 47 U.S.C. §§ 154(i), 154(j), 403.8 See http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/mob/3025710417.html [4] dated May 19, 2012 (last visited May 21, 2012). A copy of the illegal advertisement is attached hereto as Appendix A.
9 Id.10 Email to James Garcia (May 21, 2012, 18:02:00 EST) (on file in EB-SED-12-00004450).11 Email from James Garcia (May 21, 2012, 18:03:00 EST) (on file in EB-SED-12-00004450) (Garcia Email Reply).
DA 12-1592 III.
APPLICABLE LAW AND VIOLATIONS
Marketing and operation of jammers prohibited by federal law
Federal law prohibits the advertising, sale, and operation of jamming devices in the United States and its territories. Section 301 of the Communications Act prohibits the use or operation of “any apparatus for the transmission of energy or communications or signals by radio” within the United States unless such use is licensed or authorized.12 Section 333 of the Communications Act states that “[n]