By Josh Covert

A United States District Court in the Central District of Illinois recently released an opinion that has far reaching fourth amendment applications. The case US v Schlingloff, involved a computer search conducted using a program called Forensic Tool Kit (FTK). At issue was the Known File Filter (KFF) which was a component of the FTK that enabled forensic analysts to search a computer and automatically flag certain computer files that match files contained in library of files known to be indicative of criminal acts.

Christopher Schlingloff, the Defendant, was a resident of a home that was subject to a search warrant which was obtained for the purpose of discovering evidence of passport fraud and harboring an illegal alien. The affidavit supporting the search warrant provided probable cause that computer devices at the residence would contain evidence of the passport fraud. The search warrant was executed and 130 electronic devices were seized by the law enforcement officers who executed the search warrant.

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Source: Nichols Lawyers