Did Shaquille O'Neal Raid The Wrong Home For Child Porn Over Mistaken IP Address?

from the besting-Terry-Gilliam dept

Mon, Oct 23rd 2006 1:12pm — Mike Masnick

And you wonder why they say truth can be stranger than fiction? We all know that IP addresses are notoriously unreliable in tracking down who may have committed an online crime. Most of the time, we see this in civil cases filed by the entertainment industry where they accuse someone without enough evidence or (better yet) without a computer at all. However, sometimes, the myth that an IP address identifies you has bigger consequences. A year ago, reminiscent of the computer bug in the movie Brazil that created a mixup over whether or not someone named Buttle or Tuttle was responsible for a crime, a Cox Internet employee gave police the wrong info about an IP address, leading a completely innocent couple in Wichita, Kansas to be accused of distributing child porn. It seems that a similar situation has again happened, this time in Virginia, where another wrong IP address resulted in a family having their house raided in search of child porn. This was pointed out by Radley Balko who notes that the story gets even weirder when you realize that basketball star Shaquille O'Neal may have been a part of the raiding team. The original report doesn't mention the Shaq connection, but others do, and a separate report does say he participated in an attempt to execute a child porn warrant that weekend in that county. So, beyond the question of why Shaq is apparently participating in such raids, can we ask no one does things like double check IP addresses or, say, look for additional evidence that a particular household is guilty of a crime before sending in people with guns drawn? The same report that suggests Shaq was a part of the raid also notes that "Shaq did some computer work" with the team. Anyone know if Shaq is familiar with the way IP addresses work?

Thank you for reading this Techdirt post. With so many things competing for everyone’s attention these days, we really appreciate you giving us your time. We work hard every day to put quality content out there for our community.

Techdirt is one of the few remaining truly independent media outlets. We do not have a giant corporation behind us, and we rely heavily on our community to support us, in an age when advertisers are increasingly uninterested in sponsoring small, independent sites — especially a site like ours that is unwilling to pull punches in its reporting and analysis.

While other websites have resorted to paywalls, registration requirements, and increasingly annoying/intrusive advertising, we have always kept Techdirt open and available to anyone. But in order to continue doing so, we need your support. We offer a variety of ways for our readers to support us, from direct donations to special subscriptions and cool merchandise — and every little bit helps. Thank you.

–The Techdirt Team

52 Comments

If you liked this post, you may also be interested in...

Reader Comments

Subscribe: RSS

View by: Time | Thread

Your Mom, 23 Oct 2006 @ 1:29pm

This is completely and utterly bizarre. Plus, why was Shaq doing this?

Did they have a warrant? Do people know?
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
- GFW, 24 Oct 2006 @ 2:05pm
  
  Re: why was Shaq doing this
  He's a quadruple threat? (Had to be said.)
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
- Mdd4890, 27 Jul 2017 @ 12:29pm
  
  Re: Shaq
  Yes he did it. He was a deputy police officer with the Bedford County police department. They kicked him off after his rap career took off or didn't take off.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
  - mdd480, 28 Jul 2017 @ 4:04pm
    
    Re: Re: Shaq
    The sheriff Mike Brown didn't like his lyrics
    [ link to this | view in chronology ]
Steve E, 23 Oct 2006 @ 1:29pm

WTF? This is possibly the most random (of some very random posts on Techdirt). Shaq working undercover, IP expert, as well as slam dunk hero?? Whatever next!
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
- mdd4890, 27 Jul 2017 @ 12:30pm
  
  Re:
  That's what freemasons do. Almost all police departments are run by freemasons.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
Boilerbob, 23 Oct 2006 @ 1:36pm

Deputy Shaq
Actually, Shaq is a deputy with the US Marshall's Office working on a child protection operation. See http://www.usmarshals.gov/district/va-w/news/chron/2005/030305.htm

I live near Miami and there have been many stories about Shaq working with law enforcement. Since he'd be really hard to go undercover on the streets, he spends a lot of time doing computer work.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Innerdaemon, 23 Oct 2006 @ 1:38pm

Shaq v child porn
I remember a news report from a couple of years back that Shaq was taking online classes in criminal justice at the University of Phoenix. I am guessing he completed his degree and is now free to troll around to help wrongly accuse people of distributing child porn. Kazaam!
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
- disgracerpg, 23 Oct 2006 @ 1:40pm
  
  Re: Shaq v child porn
  LOL at kazaam.
  
  For what reason does shaw need Criminal Justice degree? what the hell?!
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
  - FaMiNe, 23 Oct 2006 @ 2:00pm
    
    Re: Re: Shaq v child porn
    I read some biography stuff on Shaq a while ago. He grew up a military brat, and had quite a bit of military/law enforcement leanings, but his size made him an obvious choice for something like basketball.
    
    I guess he's finally doing what he was brought up to do.
    [ link to this | view in chronology ]
  - Anonymous Coward, 23 Oct 2006 @ 2:59pm
    
    Re: Re: Shaq v child porn
    For what reason does [Shaq] need a Criminal Justice degree?
    
    What kind of dumbass are you to imply that because somebody is a celebrity or makes millions that they can't be or do something else?
    [ link to this | view in chronology ]
Ray Trygstad, 23 Oct 2006 @ 1:40pm

Shaq actually does know something about this stuff
I know for a fact that Shaq was in a class on online solicitation of minors and child pornography taught by Michael Sullivan of the Illinois Attorney General's office. SO he does know something, and Sullivan is a good instructor.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
VL, 23 Oct 2006 @ 1:52pm

Not so hard to believe he was a part of it.
It was about a year, maybe year and a half, ago that it was announced in a low key press release that Shaq was "sworn in as a U.S. deputy marshal and is only a few training sessions away from being certified to make arrests, conducting search warrants and carrying a weapon" and was doing undercover work to track down child porn.

That and it is easily verified with a simple search:
http://www.usmarshals.gov/district/va-w/news/index.html

http://news.com.com/2061-10789_3 -5723001.html

http://www.apbweb.com/articles-z81.htm

As for whether or not he knows anyting about the way IP addresses work, his education history does not suggest he has had any technical training but then again the internet never has all the details about a person. . .

Though I may as well throw up the other two links:
http://www.answers.com/topic/shaquille-o-neal
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaquille_O'Neal
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Anonymous Coward, 23 Oct 2006 @ 1:57pm

much like one of his free-throws, his shot missed and hit an innocent person
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Anonymous Coward, 23 Oct 2006 @ 2:07pm

Woa, Shaq is a narc....
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
outforjustice, 23 Oct 2006 @ 2:13pm

I can't believe his contract would allow this kind of work. What if he did raid someone and got shot in the middle of it all. Highly unlikely but still possible. I commend him for his work but I would think for insurance reasons he would not be allowed to do this-- there are too many ways to get hurt.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
ccunning, 23 Oct 2006 @ 2:23pm

Shaq wants to be sheriff
I remember reading that Shaq wants to be a sheriff or other law inforcement officer once he retires from the NBA. I guess those classes are paying off, now that he can break down a few doors.

I say go for it Shaq.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
- charlie potatoes, 23 Oct 2006 @ 5:31pm
  
  Re: Shaq wants to be sheriff
  i want to know where his 'it all' is...if a man gets shot right in the middle of 'it all' is he ever gonna be able to play basketball again?
  and just how important is your 'it all'? can you survive without it?
  i remember in school they told us that gen. stonewall jackson was shot right in the thick of the 'fray'.. and he died.
  is your 'it all' close to your 'fray' i wonder?
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
Mark, 23 Oct 2006 @ 2:30pm

Shaq was a Deputy or Reserve Deputy in California when he was a Laker. I can guarantee you he does not need to stand on the running board to talk face to face with a trucker.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
hysterically laughing, 23 Oct 2006 @ 2:33pm

I'll bet Dirty Harry's magnum looks like a purse pistol in those hands, too
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Awesome Mr Ethan, 23 Oct 2006 @ 3:10pm

Wow
This sounds like a movie. One of those things where they have some job that gets fouled up and need to pull in some high-paid celebrity to do things for them.

In fact, it's exactly like a movie. Wow. Except now Shaq has to try again and this time he'll uncover the largest kiddie porn distribution ring in history and become a hero and win over a girl's heart and stuff. Are you listening, Spielberg?
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
DigitalBomb, 23 Oct 2006 @ 3:21pm

Well the problem with this story is that we have too little information to make any judgements whatsoever. So this is one of those "take it with a grain of salt" articles.

There's just not enough information on either side of it.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
- truth teller, 26 Oct 2006 @ 9:08am
  
  Re: Shaq & mistaken raid
  regarding the "take it with a grain of salt" - you don't need even one grain. the people in virginia are close to my family. the raid was worse than you can ever imagine, unless you have had a swat team invade YOUR home, and totally without merit. a despicable act, the horror of which is getting lost in shaq's celebrity & people's sports-star worship. for shame.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
gofigure, 23 Oct 2006 @ 3:27pm

Kobe set him up
I am from L.A. and I heard Kobe was the one that gave the bogus tip. He wanted to humiliate Shaq.

Go Figure.
Must be jealous of Shaq's new bling.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
- Jo Mamma, 23 Oct 2006 @ 4:41pm
  
  Re: Kobe set him up
  Oh yeah? I once heard that Shaq got Bill Gates pregnant... just by looking at him... I also heard he lost his virginity before his dad did! err, wait, was that Chuck Norris?
  
  Idol speculation... all of it. And he's listed as being an honorary member, which probably doesn't mean too much. But hey, he's doing something other than banging hookers and spending his millions, so I'll give the guy credit.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
Phlatus the Elder, 23 Oct 2006 @ 3:45pm

Honorary Deputy US Marshall and reserve sheriff's deputy do not make anyone the lead investigator, or even an active participant, in any case. He may be doing some actual work but more likely they're using a celeb as a spokesperson - nothing more, nothing less.

The guy is intelligent enough to understand that a sports hero is just an entertainer and he wants to do something he sees as more meaningful with his life. More power to him.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Smegma, 23 Oct 2006 @ 4:04pm

Yawn. The law enforcement equivalent of American Idol.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
nonuser, 23 Oct 2006 @ 4:32pm

shaq-a-hack?
Hack-a-shaq hasn't worked out too well iin the NBA playoffs, and now it sounds like shaq-a-hack isn't all that either.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
fn-great, 23 Oct 2006 @ 4:50pm

so sosweet
hahahahah, sorry...this one was too great to pass up a random comment.
I am assuming that there will be a nice lawsuit to come out of this. Shaq in court "Yes your honour I noticed that 127.0.0.1 was downloading massive amounts of child porn"
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
mrcbr1, 23 Oct 2006 @ 4:54pm

Shaq can smack (the perps, that is)
Shaq accompanied a police raid of a suspected drug dealer's house in Baton Rouge, LA in September of 2002. The suspect sued claiming he was abused. The details were vague but included the suspect being dunked headfirst in the toilet until he became more cooperative.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/news/2002/09/11/shaq_cleared_ap/
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Chuck, 23 Oct 2006 @ 4:56pm

Arnold for Governator and Shaq for Sheriff. What's next Brad and Angelina as prosecuting attorneys?
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
ubetcha you, 23 Oct 2006 @ 5:17pm

following in Elvis's footsteps
Prez. Nixon swore Elvis Presley in as a D.E.A. Special Agent.
http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/when_nixon_met_elvis/part_1.html
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
- Elvis fan, 23 Oct 2006 @ 5:29pm
  
  Re: following in Elvis's footsteps
  AND ironically, Elvis was all tanked up on Quaaludes at the time of his swearing in.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
Venomhed, 23 Oct 2006 @ 5:26pm

Black people and computers
First off, a black person with a computer? Hahaha, HAHAHAHAAA. That in and of itself is funny. But Shaq? Mr. Brawn but no brain helping the police with a computer operation.

"Uhhhh, duhhh, lemme ax you sumtin. Duh, lets get this mo fo wit my AOL's account."

Peace....yo.

(rolls eyes)
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
computer cop, 23 Oct 2006 @ 5:30pm

Shaq is a Deputy Sheriff
Yes that's right, he's a Deputy Sheriff in Florida. I am a deputy in another state and am also a computer crime investigator.

Shaq received training at the same place as many law enforcement officers, the National White Collar Crime Center: http://www.nw3c.org
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
- ConceptJunkie (profile), 24 Oct 2006 @ 9:37am
  
  Re: Shaq is a Deputy Sheriff
  Well, no wonder there's so much white collar crime... there's a national center for teaching it!
  
  Just kidding...
  
  Keep up the good work and bust those bad guys.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
Libertate, 23 Oct 2006 @ 5:35pm

Good for him!!!!
1. My understanding re: Shaq is he is actually quite intelligent and in fact went back to school to complete his college degree. Did not realize it was in Law Enforcement/Criminal Justice.

2. If the man after making millions and could likely spend the rest of his life sitting on his @$$ decides to put his life on the line fighting one of the worst crimes imaginable and putting the trash involved under the jailhouse then KUDOS to Shaq.

3. Someone needs to get a clue about how the internet works. Both the investigators AND the judge.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
satan, 24 Oct 2006 @ 12:04am

wtf
time to sack the shaq
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Louis, 24 Oct 2006 @ 5:11am

DOSA
Can anyone say

DENIAL OF SHAQ ATTACK!

Haha, I kill myself.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Phlatus the Elder, 24 Oct 2006 @ 8:01am

Arnold for Governator and Shaq for Sheriff.
Difference is, I think Shaq might be competent.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Fools Gold, 24 Oct 2006 @ 8:43am

Candidate for office?
There are other incidents wherein a lack of police and judicial efforts are obvious. One informant reported a man "had chemicals in his basement" and only after an armed assault on the house was it determined that the chemicals were in tiny yellow boxes and were stored next to a door marked "darkroom".

I believe that the basket ball star(?) in question was rumored to be running for office so there might have been a tv crew along on the raid involving the IP address.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
WePlayMegaMans, 25 Oct 2006 @ 7:57am

What about the guy that got busted?
I have NO sympathy for anyone who is convicted of having kiddie porn, but God could you imagine the look on that pedophile's face when The Big Aristotle came busting through the door?! I mean Shaq is like 7'2" 350lbs. That must of been this freak's worst nightmare. Sitting behind his computer, when suddenly in comes the biggest and most prominent man in the NBA ready to preform some Shaq-Fu (remember that video game palyers?) Screw it, I'm writing in Shaq come Nov. 07.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
justrin wesaquate, 25 Oct 2006 @ 9:17am

shaqraid
shaq shouldent be running around playing cop and should stick to what hes good playing basketball
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
justrin wesaquate, 25 Oct 2006 @ 9:17am

shaqraid
shaq shouldent be running around playing cop and should stick to what hes good playing basketball
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
justrin wesaquate, 25 Oct 2006 @ 9:17am

shaqraid
shaq shouldent be running around playing cop and should stick to what hes good playing basketball
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Akleeve, 18 Jan 2007 @ 9:16am

now all he needs to do is run for governer.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
- Michael Mishler, 19 Jan 2007 @ 11:18am
  
  Re: Governor is spelled 'Governor'
  Say it G-o-v-e-r-n-o-r
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
anthony, 23 Feb 2007 @ 2:45pm

way to go SHaQ
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
anthony, 23 Feb 2007 @ 2:46pm

way to go SHaQ
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
anderlees, 30 Oct 2007 @ 2:05pm

way to go shaq I think you are awsome player I love your number 32
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Denisha, 24 Feb 2008 @ 7:04pm

This junk is such a lie and this fake mess is just trying to make folk lok bad but if dis helps. you folk better stop lieing or i will call the police. fake people i hate this stupid website and that dumb behind article!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1:-(
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
terry, 7 Nov 2008 @ 2:51pm

new file engine search!
I surfed all the web till found the best searcher. Films, picts, mp3’s, videos and lots more at http://newfileengine.com/
[ link to this | view in chronology ]