Opinion ID: 774695
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: The Inquirer Article

Text: 7 On December 4, 2000, a Philadelphia Inquirer article reported the Government's use of a keystroke-logging device on Scarfo's computer. The article stated that the device allowed the FBI to reproduce every stroke[Scarfo] entered on a computer on which gambling records allegedly were stored. The article predicted that Scarfo's legal challenge of the keystroke-logging device may create new law. 8 The article also quoted Manno as stating that [a]nything [Scarfo] typed on that keyboard -- a letter to his lawyer, personal or medical records, legitimate business records -- they got it all.... That's scary. It's dangerous. The article continued: 9 Manno contends that federal investigators improperly used a search warrant as authorization to install a keystroke recorder on Scarfo's business computer in the spring of 1999. By monitoring the keyboard during May and June, investigators were able to determine the code and password Scarfo used to access an encrypted program which, authorities suspected, he was storing gambling and loan-sharking records. 10 Manno said that he was preparing a motion challenging the legality of the surveillance when he was disqualified from the case in October. Manno was barred because in the past he represented a client who expected to testify for the government against Scarfo. 11 He said he expected the challenge to the surveillance will be raise by whomever Scarfo hires to replace him. 12 I don't think there is any case law on this issue, and I hope the fact that it's a so-called organized crime investigation doesn't detract from the fundamental and overriding concern here, which is an individual's right to privacy, Manno said last week. The article concluded: 13 Manno would not discuss what his client was storing on the [computer] but said Scarfo was using software known as PGP. It stands for Pretty Good Privacy, the lawyer said with a chuckle. 14 The article also quoted the prosecuting attorney: 15 I can't talk about any of it, he said, but I think it's correct to say this is [a] cutting-edge [legal issue].