WAXAHACHIE - Judge Gene Knize ruled that Maypearl police must return property seized in a “no-knock” search warrant in November.
The search, signed off by Knize as an evidentiary warrant, sought
computer hardware and equipment alleged by Maypearl-based Leading Edge
Wireless of being used in a “network intrusion,” or a computer hacking.
The wireless internet company’s owner, Leroy Nabors, filed a
complaint on the allegations to Maypearl PD Chief Lester Taylor, who
then contacted Waxahachie’s Special Weapons And Tactics team to serve
the warrant in the outskirts of Midlothian, on Sudith Lane, which is
home to Webnetized Technologies LLC.
Webnetized is alleged by Leading Edge of stealing equipment,
according to assistant district attorney Patrick M. Wilson in a court
hearing Wednesday afternoon.
Webnetized’s lawyer, Midlothian lawyer Dan Altman, sought for the
return of the property because his client had not been charged with a
crime.
The warrant was signed and the search, which damaged the front
door and windows of Webnetized’s Sudith Lane office when SWAT officers
broke entered, was carried out before any criminal charges were filed.
Wilson, who works for Ellis County/District Attorney Joe Grubbs,
said the property disputes would be settled before a grand jury in
March.
But Knize, who notified Wilson of the grand jury’s duties ending
the first week of March, said he was doubtful he would call them back
on the Maypearl case and then ruled for the property to be returned.
Knize, however, did stipulate the prosecutors could withhold radio equipment alleged by Leading Edge Wireless as being stolen.
