Original
In
re:
Warrant
and
Order
For
Prospective Location Information and
Pen
Register Information for the
Cellphone Assigned Call Number (646)
418-3329,
USAO
Reference
No.
2020801003
APPLICATION
_20mag.12958
Application for Warrant and Order
for Cellphone Location and Pen Register Information
The United States of America, by its attorney, Audrey Strauss, Acting United States
Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Sarah L. Kushner, Assistant United States
Attorney, of counsel, respectfully requests that the Court issue the accompanying proposed
Warrant and Order for prospective location information and pen register information for a
cellphone. As grounds for this Application the Government relies on the following facts and
authorities.
I. Introduction
I. I am an Assistant United States Attorney in the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern
District of New York. This Application is submitted in conjunction with the accompanying
affidavit of a law enforcement agent ("Agent Affidavit"), to be sworn before this Court, and
incorporated by reference herein. I make this Application based on information and belief,
including the Agent Affidavit, my review of other documents in the case, and information received
from investigative personnel.
2. The Investigating Agency, Target Cellphone, Subscriber, Service Provider, Subject
Offenses, Successor Service Provider, and Successor Cellphone referenced in this Application are
as specified in the Agent Affidavit.
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II. Legal Authority
A. Prospective Location Information
3. The Government seeks to obtain both precision location information and cell site data
for the Target Cellphone on a prospective basis (the "Prospective Location Information") for a
period of 45 days from the date of this order — the same period of time for which a warrant for a
tracking device may be granted under Rule 41(e)(2XC). It bears noting, however, that while the
Prospective Location Information may permit "tracking" the user of the phone in the colloquial
sense, this is not an application for a warrant for a "tracking device" as defined in Fed. R. Crim.
P. 41(a)(2)(E) and 18 U.S.C. § 3117(b). Those provisions only apply where an agent is seeking to
physically install a tracking device on a given object.
Instead, the Prospective Location
Information will be obtained by requiring the Service Provider to provide the information.
4. The authority for this application is found in 18 U.S.C. § 2703(c)(1), which authorizes
a court of competent jurisdiction to require any electronic communication service provider (which
includes a cellular telephone service provider') to disclose any "record or other information
pertaining to a subscriber" other than the "contents of communications," when the government
obtains, inter alia, a warrant under the applicable procedures of Rule 41. See 18 U.S.C. §
2703(cX1)(A). Because data concerning a subscriber's location, such as precision location
information and cell site data, constitutes "information pertaining to a subscribe?' that does not
include the "contents of communications," that data is among the types of information available
See 18 U.S.C. § 2711(1) (incorporating by cross-reference statutory definitions set forth in 18
U.S.C. § 2510); 18 U.S.C. § 2510(15) (defining "electronic communication service" as "any
service which provides to users thereof the ability to send or receive wire or electronic
communications").
2
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under § 2703(c)(1)(A).2 Further, as specified in 18 U.S.C. § 2711(3), this Court is a court of
competent jurisdiction under the Stored Communications Act because it has jurisdiction over the
Subject Offenses.
5. The Government's request for cell site data also implicates the pen register statute,
because such data constitutes signaling information used by the Service Provider to route
communications to and from the Target Cellphone. In order to collect such data, a valid pen
register order is required.3 Accordingly, I hereby certify pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 3122 that such
signaling information is relevant to an ongoing investigation being conducted by the Investigating
Agency into suspected violations of the Subject Offenses by WILLIE DENNIS, the charged
defendant in this case.
B. Pen Register Information
6. In addition, the Government seeks an order pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §§ 3121-26
authorizing the use of a pen register on the Target Cellphone for a period of 45 days from the date
of this order. Specifically, the Government seeks an order directing the Service Provider to furnish
2 See In re Application, 460 F. Supp. 2d 448, 459-60 & n. 55 (S.D.N.Y. 2006) (Kaplan, J.)
(cellphone location information falls within § 2703(c)(1)); accord, e.g., United States v. Caraballo,
963 F. Supp. 2d 341, 361 (D.Vt. 2013); In re Order, 632 F. Supp. 2d 202, 207 (E.D.N.Y. 2008);
In re Application, 405 F. Supp. 2d 435, 444-45 (S.D.N.Y. 2005). But see In re Application, 849
F. Supp. 2d 526, 574 (D.Md. 2011) (rejecting view that cellular location data falls within the scope
of the SCA and finding that phone must be treated as "tracking device" for purposes of Rule 41
where used to collect location data); In re Application, 2009 WL 159187, at *5-6 (S.D.N.Y. Jan. 13,
2009) (McMahon, J.) (same).
3 See 18 U.S.C. § 3121 (prohibiting use of pen register or trap and trace device without an order
under the pen register statute); 3127(3) & (4) (defining pen register and trap and trace device to
include devices or processes that record, inter alia, signaling information). Although cell site data
constitutes "signaling" information within the meaning of the pen register statute, a separate statute
precludes the Government from relying "solely" on the authority provided by the pen register
statute to ascertain a subscriber's location. 47 U.S.C. § 1002(a). Here, the Government seeks to
obtain such data pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 2703(c) as well as the pen register statute, rather than
"solely" under the latter statute. See In re Application, 460 F. Supp. 2d at 456-59.
3
2019.07.24
EFTA01659655
any information, facilities, and technical assistance necessary to operate, unobtrusively and with
minimum disruption of service, a pen register and trap and trace device to capture all dialing,
routing, addressing, or signaling information associated with each call transmitted to or from the
Target Cellphone, as specified further in the proposed Warrant and Order (the "Pen Register
Information").4
7. I hereby certify pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 3122 that the Pen Register Information is
relevant to an ongoing investigation being conducted by the Investigating Agency into suspected
violations of the Subject Offenses by WILLIE DENNIS.
C. Sealing and Non-Disclosure Order to Service Provider
8. When the Government obtains records or information under § 2703(c), it is not required
to notify the subscriber or customer. 18 U.S.C. § 2703(c)(3). Additionally, the Government may
obtain an order precluding the Service Provider from notifying the subscriber or any other third-
party of the warrant or order obtained, for such period as the Court deems appropriate, where there
is reason to believe that such notification will result in endangering the life or physical safety of
an individual, flight from prosecution, destruction of or tampering with evidence, or intimidation
of potential witnesses, or will otherwise seriously jeopardize the investigation. 18 U.S.C.
§ 2705(b).
9. Further, 18 U.S.C. § 3I23(d) provides that an order directing installation of a pen
register or trap and trace device shall direct the pertinent service provider "not to disclose the
The Government is also not seeking authorization to obtain post-cut-through dialed digits
("PCTDD"), or digits that are dialed after a telephone call from the Target Phone has been
connected. Pursuant to the attached Order, if possible, the Service Provider will forward only pre-
cut-through-dialed digits to the Investigating Agency.
However, if the Service Provider's
technical capabilities require it to forward all dialed digits, including PCTDD, to the Investigating
Agency, the Investigating Agency will only decode and forward to the agents assigned to the
investigation the numbers that are dialed before the call is cut through.
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existence of the pen register or trap and trace device or the existence of the investigation to the
listed subscriber, or to any other person unless or until otherwise ordered by the Court."
10. Accordingly, as explained further in the Agent Affidavit, in light of the confidential
nature of the continuing criminal investigation and the adverse consequences expected in the event
of premature notification, the Government respectfully requests that the Court direct the Service
Provider not to notify the Subscriber or any other person of the Warrant and Order sought herein
for a period of one year, subject to extension upon application to the Court, if necessary.
11. For similar reasons, I respectfully request that the proposed Warrant and Order, this
Application, and the accompanying Agent Affidavit, be maintained under seal until the Court
orders otherwise, except that the Government be permitted without further order of this Court to
serve this Warrant and Order on the Service Provider; provide copies of the Warrant and Order or
the supporting Application and Agent Affidavit as need be to personnel assisting the Government
in the investigation and prosecution of this matter; and disclose these materials as necessary to
comply with discovery and disclosure obligations in any prosecutions related to this matter.
5
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EFTA01659657
Prior Requests
12. On October 13, 2020, United States Magistrate Judge Sarah L. Cave issued a warrant
and order for prospective and historical location information and pen register information for the
Target Cellphone. With respect to the prospective location information and pen register, that
warrant expired on November 27, 2020. The subscriber of the Target Cellphone is the defendant
in this case, who was indicted on November 19, 2020. The defendant, however, is currently in the
Dominican Republic. Accordingly, the information sought herein will allow law enforcement to
determine if and when the defendant returns to the United States or if he attempts to travel
anywhere else.
Dated: New York, New York
December 2, 2020
6
A
Sarah L. Kushner
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel.: 212-637-2676
2019.07.24
EFTA01659658
Original
In re: Warrant and Order For Prospective
Location Information and Pen Register
Information for the Cellphone Assigned
Call Number (646) 418-3329, USAO
Reference No. 2020R01003
AGENT AFFIDAVIT
20.14,12958
Agent Affidavit in Support of Warrant and Order
for Cellphone Location and Pen Register Information
)
ss.
ELISABETH WHEELER, being duly sworn, deposes and states:
I. Introduction
I. I am a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation ("FBI") ("Investigating
Agency"). As such, I am a "federal law enforcement officer within the meaning of Federal Rule
of Criminal Procedure 41(a)(2)(C), that is, a government agent engaged in enforcing the criminal
laws and duly authorized by the Attorney General to request a search warrant. I have been a
Special Agent at the FBI since 2012, and am currently assigned to the FBI's Violent Crimes Task
Force. In that position, I have had significant training and experience investigating a wide range
of crimes, including violence and threats of violence, such as threats made by telephone, online,
and through other electronic means. I have received training and, through my investigations, have
developed experience in the execution of search warrants for, among other things, telephonic and
electronic communications and data.
2. Requested Information. I respectfully submit this Affidavit pursuant to 18 U.S.C.
§§ 2703(c) and (c)(1)(A) and the applicable procedures of Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 41;
18 U.S.C. §§ 2703(d) & 2705; and 18 U.S.C. §§ 3121-3126, in support of a warrant and order for
2019.07.24
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prospective location information and pen register information for the Target Cellphone identified
below (collectively, the "Requested Information").
3. Basis for Knowledge. This Affidavit is based upon my participation in the
investigation, my examination of documents, and my conversations with other law enforcement
agents and other individuals, as well as my training and experience. Because this Affidavit is
being submitted for the limited purpose of obtaining the Requested Information, it does not include
all the facts that I have learned during the course of this investigation. Where the contents of
documents and the actions, statements, and conversations of others are reported herein, they are
reported in substance and in part, except where otherwise indicated. In addition, unless otherwise
indicated, statements by others referenced in this Affidavit were not necessarily made to me, but
may have been provided to me by someone else to whom I have spoken or whose report I have
read (and who in turn may have had either direct or indirect knowledge of the statement).
Similarly, unless otherwise indicated, information in this Affidavit resulting from surveillance
does not necessarily set forth my personal observations, but may have been provided to me by
other law enforcement agents who observed the events, and to whom I have spoken or whose
report I have read.
4. Target Cellphone, Subscriber, and Service Provider.
The Target Cellphone
referenced in this Affidavit is the cellphone assigned call number (646) 418-3329. WILLIE
DENNIS, the defendant in this case, is the subscriber of the Target Cellphone. AT&T is the
Service Provider for the Target Cellphone.
5. Precision Location Capability.
Cellphone service providers have technical
capabilities that allow them to collect at least two kinds of information about the locations of the
cellphones to which they provide service: (a) precision location information, also known as E-911
2
2019.07.24
EFTA01659660
Phase II data, GPS data, or latitude-longitude data, and (b) cell site data, also known as
"tower/face" or "tower/sector" information. Precision location information provides relatively
precise location information about a cellphone, which a provider can typically collect either via
GPS tracking technology built into the phone or by triangulating the device's signal as received
by the provider's nearby cell towers. Cell site data, by contrast, reflects only the cell tower and
sector thereof utilized in routing any communication to and from the cellphone, as well as the
approximate range of the cellphone from the tower during the communication (sometimes referred
to as "per-call measurement" ("PCM") or "round-trip time" ("RTT") data). Because cell towers
are often a half-mile or more apart, even in urban areas, and can be ten or more miles apart in rural
areas, cell site data is typically less precise than precision location information. Based on my
training and experience, I know that the Service Provider has the technical ability to collect
precision location information from any cellphone on its network, including by initiating a signal
on the Service Provider's network to determine the phone's location. I further know that cell site
data is routinely collected by the Service Provider in the course of routing calls placed to or from
any cellphone on its network.
6. Successor Service Provider. Because it is possible that WILLIE DENNIS may
change cellphone service providers during the course of this investigation, it is requested that the
warrant and investigative order requested apply without need for further order to any Successor
Service Provider who may provide service to the Target Cellphone during the time frames at issue
herein.
II. Facts Establishing Probable Cause
7. On October 28, 2020, WILLIE DENNIS was charged by Complaint and a warrant was
issued for his arrest. The Complaint and arrest warrant are incorporated by reference herein, and
are attached hereto as Exhibits A and B, respectively.
3
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EFTA01659661
8. On November 19, 2020, a Grand Jury returned a four-count Indictment against WILLIE
DENNIS, charging him with violations of 18 U.S.C. §§ 2261A (cyberstalking) and 2 (aiding and
abetting cyberstalking) (the "Subject Offenses"). The Indictment is incorporated by reference
herein, and is attached hereto as Exhibit C. DENNIS has not yet been arrested on the charges set
forth in the Complaint and Indictment. As such, DENNIS is a "person to be arrested" within the
meaning of Rule 41(c)(4) of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure.
9. As alleged in the Complaint, since in or about 2018, up to and including the present,
DENNIS has been engaged in a long-term and pervasive cyberstalking campaign of harassment,
intimidation, and threats directed at former colleagues at his former law firm.
10. As alleged in the Complaint, and based on my review of harassing text messages
DENNIS sent to the victims discussed in the Complaint, I have learned, among other things, that
DENNIS has sent text messages to and called victims from the Target Cellphone. (See, e.g.,
15(a)-(h), 18, 19(a), 22(a)-(b), 24(a), 25(a)-(d), 26, 27.)
11. Based on my review of text messages victims have received from DENNIS and my
conversations with the victims and other members of DENNIS's former law firm, I have learned,
among other things, that as recently as this week, DENNIS, using the Target Cellphone, has
continued to cyberstalk his victims, including by sending them threatening, back-to-back text
messages. I believe that DENNIS will continue to use the Target Cellphone in connection with
his campaign of harassment and cyberstalking.
12. Moreover, as alleged in the Complaint, based on my participation in this investigation,
including my review of the threatening communications that DENNIS has sent victims, and my
conversations with senior members of DENNIS's former law firm, I have learned that DENNIS
has threatened to visit certain victims and their families. (See, e.g., Compl.
15(a)-(h).)
4
2019.07.24
EFTA01659662
13. Based on my review of the historical and prospective location information and pen
register information previously obtained pursuant to an prior warrant for the Target Cellphone,
authorized by Judge Sarah L. Cave on October 13, 2020, as well as travel records from law
enforcement databases, I have learned, among other things, that DENNIS, who is based and lives
in New York, New York, has been in the Dominican Republic since in or about February 2020.
14. Based on my training and experience, I believe that prospective location information
from the Target Cellphone will allow law enforcement to monitor DENNIS's current whereabouts,
to assist in locating him to be arrested. It will also allow law enforcement to determine if and when
DENNIS returns to the United States, and whether DENNIS presently poses a danger to the
physical safety of the victims and their families.
15. Based upon the foregoing, I respectfully submit that the Requested Information will
assist law enforcement with, among other things, determining the current location of DENNIS,
who is a "person to be arrested" within the meaning of Rule 41(c)(4) of the Federal Rules of
Criminal Procedure.
III. Request for Warrant and Order
16. Based on the foregoing I respectfully request that the Court require the Service Provider
to provide the Requested Information as specified further in the Warrant and Order proposed
herewith, including prospective precision location and cell site data for a period of 45 days from
the date of this Order, and pen register information for a period of 45 days from the date of this
Order.
17. Nondisclosure. The existence and scope of this ongoing criminal investigation are not
publicly known. As a result, premature public disclosure of this Affidavit or the requested Warrant
and Order could alert DENNIS or other potential criminal targets that they are under investigation,
causing them to destroy evidence, flee from prosecution, or otherwise seriously jeopardize the
5
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EFTA01659663
investigation. As set forth above, see Paragraphs 9-12, DENNIS is known to have engaged in a
long-term and pervasive campaign of harassment, intimidation, and threats directed at the victims
of the Subject Offenses. There is also reason to believe that DENNIS is capable of resorting to
physical intimidation and threats. See, e.g., Paragraph 12. Accordingly, alerting DENNIS to the
existence and scope of this investigation may lead him to endanger the life or physical safety of
others. See 18 U.S.C. §§ 2705(b)(1), (4). Moreover, DENNIS is currently in and has ties to the
Dominican Republic; accordingly, alerting him to the existence and scope of this investigation
may lead him to remain outside of the United States and to otherwise further flee from and evade
detection by law enforcement. Finally, DENNIS is known to use cellphones and other electronic
communications in furtherance of his ongoing cyberstalking and campaign of harassment,
intimidation, and threats. Thus, he could easily delete, encrypt, or otherwise conceal such digital
evidence from law enforcement were he to learn of the Government's investigation. See 18 U.S.C.
§ 2705(b)(3).
6
2019.07.24
EFTA01659664
18. Accordingly, there is reason to believe that, were the Service Provider to notify the
subscriber or others of the existence of the warrant, the investigation would be seriously
jeopardized. Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 2705(b), I therefore respectfully request that the Service
Provider be directed not to notify the subscriber or others of the existence of the Warrant and Order
for a period of one year, and that the Warrant and Order and all supporting papers be maintained
under seal until the Court orders otherwise, as specified in the Application submitted in
conjunction with this Affidavit.
/s/
Special Agent
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Sworn to me through the transmission of this
Affidavit by reliable electronic means,
pursuant to Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure
41(d)(3) and 4.1 this,
day of December, 2020
katitaAv
1/4)4,1 at(
United States Magistrate Judge
Southern District of New York
7
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EXHIBIT A
EFTA01659666
Approved:
Assistant United States Attorney
Before:
United States Magistrate Judge
Southern District of New York
WILLIE DENNIS,
Defendant.
SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK, ss.:
X
X
20 MAG 11665
Violations of
18 U.S.C. §§ 2261A
and 2
NEW YORK
ELISABETH WHEELER, being duly sworn, deposes and says
that she is a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of
Investigation ("FBI"), and charges as follows:
COUNT ONE
(Cyberstalking)
1.
Since at least in or about 2018, up to and including
the present, in the Southern District of New York and elsewhere,
WILLIE DENNIS, the defendant, with the intent to injure, harass,
and intimidate another person, used the mail, interactive
computer services and electronic communication services and
electronic systems of interstate commerce, and other facilities
of interstate and foreign commerce, including electronic mail,
phone calls, text messages, and faxes, to engage in a course of
conduct that caused, attempted to cause, and would be reasonably
expected to cause substantial emotional distress to a person, to
wit, DENNIS has engaged in a campaign of harassment,
intimidation, and threats against an individual ("Victim-1") who
works in New York, New York, including by sending harassing,
threatening, and intimidating emails and text messages to
Victim-1.
(Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2261A(2)(B) and 2.)
EFTA01659667
COUNT TWO
(Cyberstalking)
2.
In or about 2019, in the Southern District of New
York and elsewhere, WILLIE DENNIS, the defendant, with the
intent to injure, harass, and intimidate another person, used
the mail, interactive computer services and electronic
communication services and electronic systems of interstate
commerce, and other facilities of interstate and foreign
commerce, including electronic mail, phone calls, text messages,
and faxes, to engage in a course of conduct that caused,
attempted to cause, and would be reasonably expected to cause
substantial emotional distress to a person, to wit, DENNIS has
engaged in a campaign of harassment, intimidation, and threats
against an individual ("Victim-2") who works in New York, New
York, including by sending harassing, threatening, and
intimidating text messages to Victim-2.
(Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2261A(2)(B) and 2.)
COUNT THREE
(Cyberstalking)
3.
From at least in or about 2018, up to and
including at least in or about October 2020, in the Southern
District of New York and elsewhere, WILLIE DENNIS, the
defendant, with the intent to injure, harass, and intimidate
another person, used the mail, interactive computer services and
electronic communication services and electronic systems of
interstate commerce, and other facilities of interstate and
foreign commerce, including electronic mail, phone calls, text
messages, and faxes, to engage in a course of conduct that
caused, attempted to cause, and would be reasonably expected to
cause substantial emotional distress to a person, to wit, DENNIS
has engaged in a campaign of harassment, intimidation, and
threats directed at an individual ("Victim-3") who works in New
York, New York, including by sending harassing, threatening, and
intimidating text messages to Victim-3.
(Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2261A(2)(B) and 2.)
COUNT FOUR
(Cyberstalking)
4.
From at least in or about 2019, up to and
including the present, in the Southern District of New York and
elsewhere, WILLIE DENNIS, the defendant, with the intent to
EFTA01659668
3
injure, harass, and intimidate another person, used the mail,
interactive computer services and electronic communication
services and electronic systems of interstate commerce, and
other facilities of interstate and foreign commerce, including
electronic mail, phone calls, text messages, and faxes, to
engage in a course of conduct that caused, attempted to cause,
and would be reasonably expected to cause substantial emotional
distress to a person, to wit, DENNIS has engaged in a campaign
of harassment, intimidation, and threats directed at an
individual ("Victim-4") who works in New York, New York,
including by sending harassing, threatening, and intimidating
emails and text messages to Victim-4.
(Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2261A(2)(B) and 2.)
The bases for my knowledge and for the foregoing charges
are, in part, as follows:
Overview
5.
As set forth in greater detail below, WILLIE
DENNIS, the defendant, has engaged in a long-term and pervasive
campaign of harassment, intimidation, and threats directed at
former colleagues (the "Victims") at his former law firm (the
"Law Firm"). Specifically, since in or about 2018, and up to
and including the present, DENNIS has sent more than one
thousand emails, text messages, and fax communications to the
Victims.' DENNIS has sent threatening messages to the Victims at
all hours of the day and night, often in rapid succession; the
Victims did not respond to such messages or otherwise engage
with DENNIS in response to his threatening communications.
Through his unrelenting communications, as well as phone calls
and voicemails to Victims, DENNIS has threatened and sought to
intimidate and stoke fear in the Victims and their families.
6.
In these communications, WILLIE DENNIS, the
defendant, has made false accusations against the Victims and
the Law Firm, portrayed the Law Firm and its senior members as
having discriminated against him based on his race, and
complained about his termination from the Law Firm. DENNIS has
also threatened physical harm to certain Victims and threatened
to visit Victims and their families at their homes. On or about
October 9, 2020, for example, DENNIS called a senior member of
the Law Firm and stated, in substance and in part: "someone is
' For example, between on or about May 13, 2019, and on or about September 20,
2019, WILLIE DENNIS, the defendant, sent at least hundreds of written
communications to Victims. Between on or about September 4, 2019, and on or
about September 20, 2019, alone, DENNIS sent at least approximately 200
hundred written communications to Victims and other members of the Law Firm.
EFTA01659669
4
going to get physically hurt and it is not someone who deserves
to be hurt."
7.
The unrelenting harassment campaign and
cyberstalking by WILLIE DENNIS, the defendant, against the
Victims has caused or would be reasonably expected to cause the
Victims substantial emotional distress and fear for their
physical safety. At least one Victim has been forced to leave
New York and relocate to another state as a result of DENNIS's
ongoing threats and efforts to harass and intimidate his former
colleagues. Another Victim has had to change the location of
his/her parking garage and upgrade his/her home security system.
The Defendant
8.
Based on my conversations with senior members of
the Law Firm, I have learned, among other things, that for
fourteen years, WILIE DENNIS, the defendant, was an attorney at
the Law Firm, based in New York City. DENNIS joined the Law
Firm in or about 2005, and became an equity partner. DENNIS
worked at the Law Firm's New York office, located in the
Southern District of New York, until he was terminated on or
about May 13, 2019. DENNIS was terminated from the Law Firm for
erratic and threatening behavior, as well as his years-long poor
performance as a partner.
9.
Based on my conversations with senior members of
the Law Firm and my review of travel records obtained from law
enforcement databases, I have learned, among other things, that
WILLIE DENNIS, the defendant, resides in New York, New York,
although he has been in the Dominican Republic since at least in
or about February 2020.
10. Based on my conversations with senior members of
the Law Firm, I know that WILLIE DENNIS, the defendant, is
Black, as are certain of his Victims.
The Victims
11. Based on my conversations with senior members of
the Law Firm and Victims, I have learned, among other things,
that the Victims are prominent attorneys at the Law Firm and/or
members of the Law Firm's management committee. The Victims
knew WILLIE DENNIS, the defendant, in a professional capacity.
Certain Victims worked closely with DENNIS on matters at the Law
Firm.
EFTA01659670
5
12. Based on my conversations with senior members of
the Law Firm and Victims, I have learned that the Victims work
in the Law Firm's New York office.
Victim-1
13. Based on my interview with a senior member of the
Law Firm ("Victim-1"), and my review of electronic
communications, including emails and text messages that Victim-1
received from WILLIE DENNIS, the defendant, I have learned that
DENNIS engaged in a pattern of harassment, intimidation, and
threats directed at Victim-1.
14. Based on my review of communications sent by
WILLIE DENNIS, the defendant, to Victim-1 and other attorneys at
the Law Firm, I believe that DENNIS's messages are intended to
intimidate and stoke fear in the recipients, including Victim-1.
For example, in some messages, DENNIS refers to recent mass
shootings and other violence reported in the news; in others,
DENNIS quotes violent scripture passages and references God.
For example:
a.
On or about July 14, 2019, DENNIS, using one
of his Gmail accounts ("Email Account-1"), sent the following
biblical passage to Victim-1 and another Law Firm employee:
"The Lord preserves all that love Him, but the wicked He will
destroy," to which DENNIS then stated "Amen."
b.
On or about August 4, 2019, DENNIS, using
one of his Gmail accounts ("Email Account-2"), sent Victim-1 and
another Law Firm employee an email about a "mass shooting in
downtown Dayton" that left 9 dead and 16 injured, and stated:
"[h]eading to service now and will pray on this as well as our
issues." On or about August 7, 2019, DENNIS, from a different
Gmail account ("Email Account-3"), sent Victim-1 and two other
Law Firm employees a copy of the front page of a newspaper
picturing the "Dayton terrorist."
c.
On or about August 8, 2019, DENNIS, using
Email Account-2, sent Victim-1 and another Law Firm employee a
link to an article about a mass stabbing in California in which
4 people were killed and 2 were injured. In the email, DENNIS
included the following quote from the article, specifically
emphasizing that the suspect's motive was "anger and hate" by
underlining those two words in the email: "The suspect's motive
appears to be robbery, anger and hate."
EFTA01659671
6
d.
On or about August 10, 2019, DENNIS, using
Email Account-2, sent a message to Victim-1 and another Law Firm
employee in which DENNIS quoted another biblical passage:
"evildoers . . . shall soon be cut down like green herb." That
email also contained a link to an article about Jeffrey
Epstein's suicide.
e.
On or about August 31, 2019, DENNIS, using
Email Account-2, sent Victim-1 and another Law Firm employee a
link to an article about a mass shooting in Texas, in which 5
people were killed, and 21 injured.
15. Based on my review of communications received by
Victim-1, I have learned that WILLIE DENNIS, the defendant, has
also threatened Victim-1 and Victim-l's family. For example,
DENNIS sent the following messages to Victim-1:
a.
In or about May 2020, DENNIS, using a phone
number subscribed to in his name ("Phone Number-1"), sent back-
to-back text messages to Victim-1 and two other members of the
Law Firm, accusing Victim-1, among other things, of being a
racist. For example:
I am sure =vas
a
dirty prosecutor
...just have to find the
case and put your
punk ass in jail
4 officers commit
murder but in
racist
mind, the three that
were watching were
innocent
Right racist ?
EFTA01659672
you cunt you start
things like this and
then blame others
Any dirty move to
win
right ?
and fix your damn bio
punk
What is God's racial
profile ?
b.
Between on or about August 25, 2020, and on
or about August 26, 2020, DENNIS sent several members of the Law
Firm, including Victim-1, approximately 71 back-to-back text
messages, using Phone Number-1.
c.
Between on or about August 27, 2020, and on
or about August 28, 2020, DENNIS sent several members of the Law
Firm, including Victim-1, approximately 50 back-to-back text
messages, using Phone Number-1.
d.
Between on or about August 29, 2020, and on
or about August 30, 2020, DENNIS sent several members of the Law
Firm, including Victim-1, approximately 110 back-to-back text
messages, using Phone Number-1.
e.
On or about September 6, 2020, DENNIS, using
Phone Number-1, sent approximately 19 back-to-back text messages
to several members of the Law Firm, including Victim-1. In one
text message in the chain, DENNIS, referring to a complaint that
the Law Firm allegedly made to the New York City Police
Department (the "NYPD") about DENNIS's conduct, states:
EFTA01659673
8
"1 That by going to my wife with information
about me which you will not share and
2 sending police [] to my family home
U introduced children and family into this mix."
f.
On or about September 8, 2020, DENNIS, using
Phone Number-1, sent back-to-back text messages to Victim-1 and
another member of the Law Firm. The text messages were
increasingly belligerent and threatening. In one text message
in the chain, DENNIS states, "I am a witness to you killing
God's children. Do u expect me to do nothing ?" In the same
chain, DENNIS states:
"Killing children
Who is insane?
Who is offensive in the eyes of the Lord!
and all u say in unison
`Willie Dennis'"
g.
On or about October 7, 2020, Victim-1
received approximately 98 text messages from DENNIS, using Phone
Number-1.
h.
Between or about October 8, 2020, and on or
about October 9, 2020, Victim-1 received
messages from DENNIS, including messages
l's family. One such message stated, in
many evening chatting[. . . .] Anything
you for all what you have done to me and
am going to try. I am going to research
mine." In another message, DENNIS asked
at Victim-i's children's school, and then stated: "Still less
than putting your sons' lives in jeopardy ...right." That
message was followed by an image of a black male, with the
heading "Why am I dead?" In two other messages, DENNIS called
Victim-1 a "[b]igot." In yet another message, DENNIS stated:
"u r a bad person that deserves to be severely punished
(figuratively we both know what a liar u r)." DENNIS sent these
messages using Phone Number-1.
approximately 52 text
that threatened Victim-
part, "Look forward to
I do will never repay
my family . . . but I
your family as you did
how things were going
EFTA01659674
9
16. Based on my review of communications received by
Victim-1 and my conversations with Victim-1, I know that the
messages discussed above are just a small sample of the
threatening communications that WILLIE DENNIS, the defendant,
has sent Victim-1.
17. Based on my conversations with Victim-1, I have
learned that Victim-1 and Victim-l's spouse and children have
experienced, and are continuing to experience, great distress as
a result of the unrelenting barrage of messages that WILLIE
DENNIS, the defendant, has sent to Victim-1.
Victim-2
18. Based on my conversations with another senior
member of the Law Firm ("Victim-2"), who is Black, I have
learned, among other things, that in or about 2019, WILLIE
DENNIS, the defendant, using Phone Number-1, sent Victim-2
harassing text messages, causing Victim-2 to "block"
communications from DENNIS's phone.
19. Based on my conversations with Victim-2, I have
learned about specific instances of harassing conduct by WILLIE
DENNIS, the defendant, against Victim-2, including as follows:
a.
In or about June 2019, after DENNIS had been
terminated from the Law Firm, Victim-2 traveled to a
professional conference outside of New York. Victim-2 saw
DENNIS at the conference. While Victim-2 was speaking to other
conference attendees at a networking reception, DENNIS
approached Victim-2 and spoke to Victim-2 in a loud and angry
manner. DENNIS insisted on talking about the Law Firm. Victim-
2 told DENNIS that Victim-2 did not wish to discuss the firm,
and turned away from DENNIS. That night, DENNIS, using Phone
Number-1, sent Victim-2 a barrage of text messages. In those
messages, DENNIS, among other things, accused the Law Firm, in
sum and substance, of taking money from DENNIS and his children.
At a breakfast the next morning, DENNIS found Victim-2 and began
complaining very loudly about the Law Firm and its alleged
disinterest in diversity. Victim-2 left the room. DENNIS
followed Victim-2 and took photos of Victim-2. Finally, because
DENNIS would not stop following Victim-2, Victim-2 had to leave
the conference.
EFTA01659675
10
20. Based on my conversations with Victim-2, I have
learned, among other things, that Victim-2 stopped going to
conferences and other industry meetings because Victim-2 feared
that WILLIE DENNIS, the defendant, would be present.
Victim-3
21. Based on my conversations with another senior
member of the Law Firm ("Victim-3"), I have learned, among other
things, that:
a.
Victim-3 has known WILLIE DENNIS, the
defendant, for many years.
b.
Victim-3 and DENNIS used to socialize
together and spend time with each other's families. DENNIS has
been to events at Victim-3's home and knows Victim-3's children.
22. Based on my conversations with Victim-3 and my
review of documents collected from Victims and other members of
the Law Firm, I have learned, among other things, that since in
or about early 2020 through the present, WILLIE DENNIS, the
defendant, using Phone Number-1, has sent Victim-3 at least
hundreds of text messages containing harassing and intimidating
statements, including threats directed at Victim-3 and Victim-
3's family. For example:
a.
On or about September 1, 2020, DENNIS, using
Phone Number-1, sent back-to-back text messages to Victim-3 and
three other recipients, including text messages in which DENNIS
threatened to "kill" Victim-3 and Victim-3's "kids":
kill u and or your kids
b.
Among the texts that DENNIS sent Victim-3 on
or about September 1, 2020, was a text that stated: "you r
willing to assist in breaking `one' of God's Ten Commandments[:]
`Thou shall not kill.'"
Victim-4
23. Based on my conversations with partners at the
Law Firm and others and my review of messages received by the
Victims, I have learned that WILLIE DENNIS, the defendant, has
also cyberstalked another partner at the Law Firm ("Victim-4"),
who is Black.
EFTA01659676
11
24. Based on my review of messages Victim-4 received
from WILLIE DENNIS, the defendant, I have learned, among other
things, that since at least in or about March 2019, DENNIS has
sent a barrage of back-to-back text messages to Victim-4,
including, for example, the following text messages:
a.
On or about September 2, 2019, DENNIS, using
Phone Number-1, sent back-to-back text messages to Victim-4,
including the following message:
"Finally i urged you not to share my texts with
them [i.e., other members of the Law Firm]_ but
you did.
In the Firms criminal complaint against me some
of the texts you passed along are included.
Also our accidental meeting in the restaurant is
noted as a `threatening encounter.'"
25. Based on my review of threatening communications
Victim-4 received from WILLIE DENNIS, the defendant, I have also
learned that DENNIS attacked Victim-4 for allegedly "hav[ing]
undercover Chicago police officers . . . attend" a Corporate
Counsel Women of Color conference. For example, in or about
2019, using Phone Number-1, DENNIS sent Victim-4 the following
text messages, among many others:
a.
"[A] major supporter of [the conference] of
course is aware of the gunmen you and the other partners sent to
the `women's conference' . . . i would be prepared if it should
ever arise to explain why you[] thought it was necessary or how
you tried to prevent it. Anything less will raise eyebrows."
b.
"More thoughts . . . and I am protecting
your reputation so i hope you do not give them anything else[.]
Do you think they could send armed men into a diverse women's
conference with out good reason and get away with it[.] As i
told [other members of the Law Firm] at the time if i had sent
armed undercover investigators in to a conference where . . .
there [were] women and children[,] they would have[,] and
rightly so, put me in lockdown ...forever[.] I am looking for
equality and intend to do the same to them."
EFTA01659677
12
c.
"If someone had been injured at the
Conference by the Chicago police officers in the room, what
would you have stated in the police report as to the reason for
the officers being there ? . . . Were you[r] actions
`reasonable' biscuit head or purely self interested ?"
d.
"Your failure to adequately protect other
women of color is reprehensible[.] . . . . Your `intentional'
actions which endangered women of color at the . . . conference
( engaging Chicago police officers to walk undisclosed among the
women attendees) are reprehensible."
26. Based on my review of text messages WILLIE
DENNIS, the defendant, sent to Victim-4, I have also learned
that DENNIS falsely accused Victim-4 of having an extramarital
affair with another member of the Law Firm and sent Victim-4
other inappropriate text messages with false claims about
Victim-4's dating and sex life. For example, using Phone
Number-1, DENNIS sent the following messages to Victim-4:
Your quick rise to influence in
the New York office is clearly
related to how close you are
with
You and
'lways spend a
lot of time together working on
projects, I assumed that is how
the two of you became so close
2
***
you learned all thra
whispering "
sweet nothings " in your ears
Are u with him tonight r
***
EFTA01659678
13
i know u like married men ..but
in the office ?
Is your " Tinder " account still
active ?
How man " hook ups " did you
get on Tinder ?
Does
know about your
Tinder account ?
Does your mother know about
your relationship with=?
***
And no Tinder booty calls for
you this week
u are on ....lockdown
u know me now clown
How many dudes did you find
on Tinder ?
EFTA01659679
14
What was the quality of the
i always knew this
was more your type of
conversation
Always the quiet ones :43
27. In falsely accusing Victim-4 of having an
extramarital affair, WILLIE DENNIS, the defendant, using Phone
Number-1, warned Victim-4 not to lie about it: "don't perjure
yourself because I will push for prison time for you."
28. Based on my review of messages received by
Victim-4, I have learned that there are many other text messages
that WILLIE DENNIS, the defendant, sent to Victim-4 as part of
DENNIS's campaign of harassment and cyberstalking. Here are
just a few more examples:
a.
"Let's fill up your `evil' files[.] Did not
fool me. Was hoping you would change but ...gutter to the end"—
"[s]o let's send you back there."
b.
"U wished the police [] had killed me[.] No
need to answer[.] God just read your mind. I have to go talk
to a few other `unholies' but will come back to you later."
c.
"In fact until now and only since God has
commanded me to act against your falsehoods."
d.
"U know u deserve whatever comes your way
during this `biblical moment.'"
e.
"God has now commanded me to call out you[r]
actions which are so offensive in his eyes."
f.
"You need to practice outside of New York.
Because if you stay in New York i am going to follow u till u
answer my questions cotton head."
g•
"They like to make examples. I am going to
make one of u u u u."
EFTA01659680
15
h.
"U really need to leave the New York office
soon ..like in a week or so you will become part of the public
conversation."
i.
"You are going to be a `biblical symbol'
during this time of injustice and hatred of what happens when
you are offensive in the eyes of the Lord."
29. Based on my review of documents collected from
Victim-4, I have learned that, on or about October 5, 2020,
Victim-4 received more than approximately 68 text messages from
WILLIE DENNIS, the defendant, who sent those messages using
Email Account-3.
30. Based on my review of documents collected from
Victim-4, I have learned that, on or about October 6, 2020,
Victim-4 received approximately 46 text messages from WILLIE
DENNIS, the defendant, who sent those messages using Email
Account-3.
31. Based on my review of documents collected from
Victim-4, I have learned that between approximately 1:00 a.m. on
or about October 8, 2020, and 6:00 a.m. on or about October 9,
2020, WILLIE DENNIS, the defendant, using Email Account-3, sent
Victim-4 approximately 98 text messages, including as follows:
EFTA01659681
16
If you escape jail
for all this stuff i will be
surprised because i am going
to do my darndest
Somebody has to get stuck
and you have the statements in
the public records and the
public statements so
...looks like you...
Think you can avoid
1 Perjuy criminal
court
2 Defamation /slander /civil
court
more to follow
Can you win them
all ..one loss and ....
EFTA01659682
17
5:53
arl^e.
[email protected] >
As i shared with you earlier as
you go through experience
people
will think the worst about you
( look at how you view me ) but
if you keep your head up the
two years go by quickly and
make you tougher
unless i am successful getting
you incarecerated...themaybe
3-4 years
Putting some things in place for
you this morning
When you talk to people they
show you real sympathy but u
can see in their eyes, they are
glad it is not them
As a result of your efforts to try
and have me falsely
incarcerated over the past year,
I have learned a lot and will
share with you things like
..how to dress when you are
interviewed by the DA
...things to look for in selecting
CI
0
EFTA01659683
18
5:50
[email protected]
...things to look for in selecting
a good criminal attorney
and ...more.
I will share all over the next few
months.
ti will be much better prepared
for the experience than i was.
Bring all these to court so i can
show how i have tried to be
helpful
The ladies will appreciate that
and you are a lot younger so if i
am successful you will still get
out a lot younger than I would
get out.
Ask
i want my sons to meet you at
some point. I have told them
about you.
They were disappointed
Teen no AM
a
32. On or about October 10, 2020, Victim-4 received
approximately 29 text messages from WILLIE DENNIS, the
defendant, who sent those text messages using Email Account-3.
33. Based on my conversations with senior members of
the Law Firm and others, I have learned that Victim-4 has had to
leave New York and relocate to another state as a result of
WILLIE DENNIS's, the defendant's, conduct.
EFTA01659684
DENNIS Controlled Phone Number-1 And The Email Accounts
34. Phone Number-1: As set forth above, see Ti 15,
18, 19, 22, and 24-27, WILLIE DENNIS, the defendant, used Phone
Number-1 to send harassing and threatening communications to
Victim-1 and Victim-4, among others. Based on records obtained
from AT&T pursuant to a subpoena, I have learned that the
subscriber of Phone Number-1 is "Willie Dennis" and has the same
date of birth and Social Security number as DENNIS. In
addition, based on my conversations with members of the Law
Firm, I have learned that Phone Number-1 is the cellphone number
that the Law Firm had on file for DENNIS and that the Victims
and other members of the Law Firm had in their phones for
DENNIS.
35. Email Account-1: As set forth above, see 1
14(a), WILLIE DENNIS, the defendant, used Email Account-1 to
send harassing and threatening communications to Victim-1.
Based on records obtained from Google pursuant to a subpoena, I
have learned that the subscriber of Email Account-1 is "Willie
Dennis." Moreover, the recovery email for Email Account-1 is
Email Account-3, another one of DENNIS's accounts, and the phone
number listed for Email Account-1 is Phone Number-1.
36. Email Account-2: As set forth above, see 11
14(b)-(e), WILLIE DENNIS, the defendant, used Email Account-2 to
send harassing and threatening communications to Victim-1.
Based on records obtained from Google pursuant to a subpoena, I
have learned that the subscriber of Email Account-2 is "Willie
Dennis." Moreover, the phone number listed for the account is
Phone Number-1.
37. Email Account-3: As set forth above, see 11
14(b) and 29-31, WILLIE DENNIS, the defendant, used Email
Account-3 to send harassing and threatening communications to
Victim-1 and Victim-4. Based on records obtained from Google
pursuant to a subpoena, I have learned that the subscriber of
Email Account-3 is "Willie Dennis." Moreover, the phone number
listed for the account is Phone Number-1.
EFTA01659685
20
WHEREFORE, deponent respectfully requests that a
warrant be issued for the arrest of WILLIE DENNIS, the
defendant, and that he be arrested, and imprisoned or bailed, as
the case may be.
s?aytetALiallyth
Special Agent Elisabeth Wheleler
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Sworn to me through the transmission of this
Affidavit by reliable electronic means,
pursuant to Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure
41(d)(3) and 4.1 this,
Ac
.40 day of October, 2020
THE HO
O A T.
UNITED S ATES
GIST
SOUTHERN DISTRI
WANG
TE JUDGE
NEW YORK
EFTA01659686
EXHIBIT B
EFTA01659687
Mod AO 442 (09113) Arrest Warrant
AUSA Name & Telno: Sarah L. Kushner; Tel: 212-637-2676
for the
Southern District of New York
United States of America
v.
WILLIE DENNIS
Defendant
To:
Any authorized law enforcement officer
)
20 MAG 11665
)
Case No.
ARREST WARRANT
YOU ARE COMMANDED to arrest and bring before a United States magistrate judge without unnecessary delay
(name of person to be arrested)
WILLIE DENNIS
who is accused of an offense or violation based on the following document filed with the court:
O Indictment
O Superseding Indictment
O Information
O Superseding Information
sir Complaint
O Probation Violation Petition
O Supervised Release Violation Petition
O Violation Notice O Order of the Court
This offense is briefly described as follows:
Violations of 18 U.S.C. §§ 2261A and 2
Date:
10/28/2020
City and state:
New York, New York
cer's signature
Hon. Ona T. W.
Magistrate Judge, SDNY
Printed name and title
Return
This warrant was received on (date)
at (city and state)
Date:
, and the person was arrested on (date)
Arresting officer's signature
Printed name and title
EFTA01659688
EXHIBIT C
EFTA01659689
X
20 Cr.
WILLIE DENNIS,
Defendant.
X
COUNT ONE
(Cyberstalking)
The Grand Jury charges:
1.
Since at least in or about 2018, up to and including
the present, in the Southern District of New York and elsewhere,
WILLIE DENNIS, the defendant, with the intent to injure, harass,
and intimidate another person, used the mail, interactive
computer services and electronic communication services and
electronic systems of interstate commerce, and other facilities
of interstate and foreign commerce, to engage in a course of
conduct that caused, attempted to cause, and would be reasonably
expected to cause substantial emotional distress to a person, to
wit, DENNIS has engaged in a campaign of harassment,
intimidation, and threats against an individual ("Victim-1") who
works in New York, New York, including by sending harassing,
threatening, and intimidating emails and text messages to
EFTA01659690
Victim-1.
(Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2261A(2)(B) and 2.)
COUNT TWO
(Cyberstalking)
The Grand Jury further charges:
2.
In or about 2019, in the Southern District of New York
and elsewhere, WILLIE DENNIS, the defendant, with the intent to
injure, harass, and intimidate another person, used the mail,
interactive computer services and electronic communication
services and electronic systems of interstate commerce, and
other facilities of interstate and foreign commerce, to engage
in a course of conduct that caused, attempted to cause, and
would be reasonably expected to cause substantial emotional
distress to a person, to wit, DENNIS has engaged in a campaign
of harassment, intimidation, and threats against an individual
("Victim-2") who works in New York, New York, including by
sending harassing, threatening, and intimidating text messages
to Victim-2.
(Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2261A(2)(B) and 2.)
COUNT THREE
(Cyberstalking)
The Grand Jury further charges:
3.
From at least in or about 2018, up to and including at
least in or about October 2020, in the Southern District of New
York and elsewhere, WILLIE DENNIS, the defendant, with the
2
EFTA01659691
intent to injure, harass, and intimidate another person, used
the mail, interactive computer services and electronic
communication services and electronic systems of interstate
commerce, and other facilities of interstate and foreign
commerce, to engage in a course of conduct that caused,
attempted to cause, and would be reasonably expected to cause
substantial emotional distress to a person, to wit, DENNIS has
engaged in a campaign of harassment, intimidation, and threats
directed at an individual ("Victim-3") who works in New York,
New York, including by sending harassing, threatening, and
intimidating text messages to Victim-3.
(Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2261A(2)(B) and 2.)
COUNT FOUR
(Cyberstalking)
The Grand Jury further charges:
4.
From at least in or about 2019, up to and including
the present, in the Southern District of New York and elsewhere,
WILLIE DENNIS, the defendant, with the intent to injure, harass,
and intimidate another person, used the mail, interactive
computer services and electronic communication services and
electronic systems of interstate commerce, and other facilities
of interstate and foreign commerce, to engage in a course of
conduct that caused, attempted to cause, and would be reasonably
expected to cause substantial emotional distress to a person, to
wit, DENNIS has engaged in a campaign of harassment,
3
EFTA01659692
intimidation, and threats directed at an individual ("Victim-4")
who works in New York, New York, including by sending harassing,
threatening, and intimidating emails and text messages to
Victim-4.
(Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2261A(2)(B) and 2.)
tedri
AUDREY S
United
TRAUSS
Actin United States Attorney
EFTA01659693
Form No. USA-33s-274 (Ed. 9-25-5B)
v .
WILLIE DENNIS,
Defendant.
20 Cr.
(18 U.S.C. §§ 2261A(2)(B) and 2.)
AUDREY STRAUSS
Acting United States Attorney
ei tire
rnerson
5
EFTA01659694
In re: Warrant and Order For Prospective
Location Information and Pen Register
Information for the Cellphone Assigned
Call Number (646) 418-3329, USAO
Reference No. 2020R01003
fi Mag.12958
Warrant and Order
for Cellphone Location Information and Pen Register Information
and for Sealing and Non-Disclosure
TO:
AT&T ("Service Provider), and any subsequent provider of service to the Target
Cellphone specified below ("Subsequent Service Provide?)
Federal Bureau of Investigation ("Investigative Agency")
Upon the Application and Agent Affidavit submitted by the Government in this matter:
I. Findings
The Court hereby finds:
1. The Target Cellphone (the "Target Cellphone") that is the subject of this Order is
assigned call number (646) 418-3329, and is currently serviced by the Service Provider.
2. Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 2703(c)(1)(A) and the applicable provisions of Rule 41 of the
Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, the Government's application sets forth probable cause to
believe that the prospective location information for the Target Cellphone will reveal evidence,
fruits, or instrumentalities of suspected violations of 18 U.S.C. §§ 2261A (cyberstalking) and 2
(aiding and abetting cyberstalking) (the "Subject Offenses").
3. Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 3123(b)(1), the Government has certified that the pen register
information for the Target Cellphone is relevant to an ongoing investigation by the Investigating
Agency of WILLIE DENNIS, the charged defendant in this case, and others unknown in
connection with suspected violations of the Subject Offenses.
2019.07.24
EFTA01659695
4. Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 2705(b), there is reason to believe that notification of the
existence of this Warrant and Order will result in destruction of or tampering with evidence, danger
to the physical safety of an individual, flight from prosecution, and/or will otherwise seriously
jeopardize an ongoing investigation.
NOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to Fed. R. Crim. P. 41, 18 U.S.C. §§ 3121 et seq., 18 U.S.C.
§§ 2701 et seq., and 18 U.S.C. § 3103a, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED:
II. Order to Service Provider
5. Service Provider. This Order shall apply to the Service Provider specified above, and
to any subsequent provider of service to the Target Cellphone without need for further Order of
this Court.
6. Prospective Location Information. The Service Provider shall provide to the
Investigating Agency on a prospective basis, for a period of 45 days from the date of this Order,
information concerning the location of the Target Cellphone ("Prospective Location
Information"), including all available:
a. precision location information, including GPS data, E-911 Phase II data, and
latitude-longitude data; and
b. cell site data, including any data reflecting (a) the cell towers and sectors thereof
utilized in routing any phone, text, or data communication to or from the Target Cellphone, and
(b) the approximate range of the target phone from the cell towers during the communication
(including per-call measurement ("PCM") or round-trip time ("RTT") data);
7. Pen register with caller identification and/or trap and trace device. The Service
Provider shall provide to the Investigating Agency, for a period of 45 days from the date of this
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order, all dialing, routing, addressing, or signaling information associated with each voice, text, or
data communication transmitted to or from the Target Cellphone, including but not limited to:
a. any unique identifiers associated with the phone, including ESN, MEIN,
MSISDN, IMSI, IMEI, SIM, MIN, or MAC address;
b. source and destination telephone numbers and/or Internet protocol ("Ir)
addresses;'
c. date, time, and duration of the communication; and
d. cell-site information as specified above.
8. Technical Assistance. The Service Provider shall furnish the Investigating Agency all
information, facilities, and technical assistance necessary to accomplish the disclosure of all of the
foregoing information relating to the Target Cellphone unobtrusively and with the minimum
interference to the service presently provided to the Subscriber.
9. Non-Disclosure to Subscriber. The Service Provider, including its affiliates, officers,
employees, and agents, shall not disclose the existence of this Warrant and Order, or the underlying
investigation, to the Subscriber or any other person, for a period of one year from the date of this
Warrant and Order, subject to extension upon application to the Court, if necessary.
' The Service Provider is not required to provide post-cut-through dialed digits ("PCTDD"), or
digits that are dialed after a telephone call from the Target Phone has been connected. If possible,
the Service Provider will forward only pre-cut-through-dialed digits to the Investigative Agency.
However, if the Service Provider's technical capabilities require it to forward all dialed digits,
including PCTDD, to the Investigative Agency, the Investigative Agency will only decode and
forward to the agents assigned to the investigation, the numbers that are dialed before the call is
cut through.
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III. Additional Pros isions
10. Compensation for Costs. The Investigating Agency shall compensate the Service
Provider for reasonable expenses incurred in complying with the Warrant and this Order.
11. Sealing. This Warrant and Order, and the supporting Application and Agent Affidavit,
shall be sealed until otherwise ordered by the Court, except that the Government may without
further order of this Court: serve this Warrant and Order on the Service Provider; provide copies
of the Warrant and Order or the supporting Application and Agent Affidavit as need be to
personnel assisting the Government in the investigation and prosecution of this matter; and
disclose these materials as necessary to comply with discovery and disclosure obligations in any
prosecutions related to this matter.
Dated: New York, New York
12./3/2020
5:35 p.m.
Date Issued
Time Issued
Kativab4latc,
Southern District of New York
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