Feds secure warrants to use fake cell towers to track Don Lemon’s producer, Wired reports

Federal investigators obtained warrants to deploy fake cell towers to locate Don Lemon’s producer, Wired reports today. The reported use of cell-site simulators on a media figure underscores mounting concerns over how invasive phone-tracking tools are wielded against journalists and their sources. Such devices, which mimic cell towers and can sweep up data from nearby phones, typically require court authorization but remain controversial for their breadth.

Wired adds that investigators also sought permission to use the technology against journalist Georgia Fort and a Minnesota state Senate candidate, citing court records. The disclosures offer a rare window into federal tactics and could intensify calls for transparency from the Justice Department and local prosecutors. Watch for official responses from DOJ, CNN, Lemon, Fort, and Minnesota officials, and whether additional warrants or affidavits are unsealed. [Developing. This article will be updated.]