One of the initial suspects has been arrested under a new state law aimed at curbing the use of concealed tracking devices. According to reports, the arrest was made in Huntsville, Alabama.
Dothan Police have apprehended Jeremie Spencer, a 43-year-old man, after he was captured on camera fixing a tracking device on his former spouse’s car, according to investigators.
Spencer faces charges of Electronic Stalking in the first degree and domestic violence in the second degree.
The state of Alabama has recently passed House Bill 153, which now prohibits any form of electronic stalking, including the utilization of widely-used tracking devices such as Apple Airtags.
The law came into effect in June 2023.
According to Attorney Will League, this law serves as a means for prosecutors to keep up with the technology that offenders often employ to locate their victims.
League stated that the newly implemented law aims to keep up with the advancements in GPS tracking technology. He mentioned the increasing popularity of Airtags and other miniature GPS devices that can be discreetly placed in someone’s personal belongings or vehicles. The law intends to address the potential invasion of privacy and security concerns that come with the use of these devices.
According to League, stalking or tracking someone is often the initial step in domestic violence cases and having a law to prosecute such behavior can prevent tragic outcomes from occurring.
According to League, she has dealt with domestic cases that have resulted in murder, which is undoubtedly a tragic situation. Despite having the best civil and criminal justice systems in place, restraining orders are not always foolproof. Therefore, the implementation of another tool to combat this issue and ensure the safety of individuals during the domestic case process is crucial.
According to the League, this newly enacted law will simplify the process for prosecutors to apprehend stalkers.
Spencer is presently detained in the Houston County Jail without any opportunity for release on bond.
