Goshen Police charge Youngstown man accused of tracking ex with air tag device

Bikash Thapa

Goshen police have charged a Youngstown man accused of using an Apple AirTag to track his ex-girlfriend’s movements.

Bikash Thapa, 23, is charged with illegal use of a tracking device or application, a first-degree misdemeanor.

According to Goshen Township Police, the woman reported on May 8 that she discovered an AirTag in her vehicle after receiving notifications on her iPhone indicating her location was being tracked.

She located the Apple device in her car and confronted Thapa via text message. Thapa allegedly admitted to placing the AirTag, stating he did so because he was concerned she was "seeing other people." The woman subsequently blocked Thapa's number and contacted authorities.

Police obtained text message screenshots where Thapa allegedly admitted to the act.

A warrant for Thapa's arrest was issued on May 15.

He pleaded not guilty during his arraignment in Mahoning County Court #3 on Wednesday and was released on his own recognizance. A pre-trial hearing is scheduled for July 3.

It’s illegal in Ohio to knowingly install a tracking device or application on another person's property without their consent, or to cause such a device to track someone's position or movement without their consent.

A first-degree misdemeanor in Ohio can carry a penalty of up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. The charge can escalate to a fourth-degree felony under certain circumstances, such as prior convictions for similar offenses or if the offender was subject to a protection order.

Apple says on its website that AirTags, certain AirPods models, and other Find My network accessories are designed to help users locate personal items. The devices also incorporate features to prevent unwanted tracking.

To combat misuse, these devices are designed to notify users if an unknown AirTag or compatible Bluetooth tracking device is moving with them over time. iPhone and iPad users running iOS 14.5 or later will receive "Tracking Notifications" alerts. Additionally, an AirTag or Find My network accessory separated from its owner for a period will emit a sound when moved.

If an alert is received, users can tap it to see a map of where the unknown item has been detected. They can also attempt to play a sound on the device or, with supported iPhones, use Precision Finding to locate an AirTag. If an unknown tracking device is found, users can hold an NFC-capable smartphone near an AirTag to view its serial number and partial owner information. Instructions to disable the device are also available, which will stop it from sharing its location.

Apple says that law enforcement can request information from the company to support investigations into unlawful tracking.