Using an unauthorized device to achieve a moment of peace on the CTA led to charges being filed against a 63-year-old man from Chicago on Tuesday.
Audrina Bigos of CBS 2 reports that the man has faced accusations of disrupting cell phone signals in the past, and the numerous complaints about dropped calls have sparked interest.
Following his felony charge for using a signal jamming device, Dennis Nicholl, a certified public accountant, walked out of jail wearing business casual attire and a ball cap.
The device was so conspicuous that Keegan Goudie and his brother felt compelled to write about it on thesixthirty.com after spotting it on the CTA Red Line.
Chas noted that his actions indicated he was up to something questionable, and that the device seemed to be beyond his rightful ownership.
Online vendors sell cell phone blocker at prices ranging from $30 to $300. The use, sale, or purchase of these devices is illegal under federal law. These jammers are capable of blocking cell phone signals, police radio frequencies, and emergency calls.
Keegan pointed out that it illustrates the capabilities of any person concerning security and the threat of terrorism in a large urban center.
For an extended period, the Chicago Police delved into complaints about dropped calls on the Red Line. Subsequently, a 911 caller alerted authorities to the infamous Nicholl. He was apprehended by undercover officers on a CTA platform on Tuesday and is now charged with a felony.
It was mentioned by attorney Charles Lauer that there was no malicious intent to cause harm to anyone.
According to his attorney, Nicholl's decision to utilize signal blocker was driven by his exasperation with the constant presence of people using their cell phones, as he sought a moment of serenity.
The FCC guidelines indicate that individuals found using cell phone jammers could potentially be imprisoned and fined substantially. Violators may face fines of $16,000 for each violation or up to $112,000 for a single use of the device.
Nicholl was able to leave jail on Wednesday night following the posting of bond.