Affidavit in Support of Search Warrant
You are a computer forensic examiner working for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The FBI is investigating a series of threats posted on social media by Franklin B. Saunders.
Saunders is:
● an undergraduate student at George Mason University
● a sophomore majoring in Chemistry with a concentration in Materials Chemistry
● currently a resident on campus at GMU
During the course of the investigation, the FBI has been in contact with the George Mason University police department and Violence Prevention Committee (VPC). Saunders has been reported to the VPC on two previous occasions.
After evaluating the social media posts, the FBI has probable cause to believe that Franklin B. Saunders is a credible threat to the students and faculty at George Mason University.
Your job is to write a search warrant and affidavit to search Saunder’s residence located at:
4335 Chesapeake River Way, #302
Fairfax, Virginia 22030
Affidavit in Support of Search Warrant
I, [Your Name], being duly sworn, depose state as follows:
I am a computer forensic examiner employed the Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and have been so employed for [X] years. am currently assigned to the investigation regarding the series threats on social media by Franklin B. Saunders.
on my training and experience, I am familiar with the methods and techniques used investigate and analyze digital evidence, including social media posts and communications.
The FBI has been conducting an ongoing investigation the threats by Franklin B. Saunders, an undergraduate student at George Mason (GMU), located in Fairfax, Virginia. Saunders is resident on campus at GMU.
4 Saunders is a sophomore majoring in Chemistry with a concentration in Materials at GMU. Based on the information during the investigation, is probable cause to believe that he poses a credible threat to the students and faculty at George Mason University.
Throughout the course of the investigation, the FBI has been in contact with the George Mason University police department and the Violence Prevention Committee (VPC). Saunders has been reported to the VPC on two previous occasions, indicating a pattern of concerning behavior.
In order to further the investigation and gather additional evidence related to Saunders’ threats, it is necessary to search his residence located at 4335 Chesapeake River Way, #302, Fairfax, Virginia 22030.
The items to be seized during the search include, but are not limited to:
Computers, laptops, and external storage devices
Mobile phones and communication devices
Written or printed materials related to the threats made by Saunders
Any other electronic devices or evidence that may be relevant to the investigation
It is believed that the above-mentioned items will contain evidence of the threats made by Saunders on social media, including posts, messages, or any other digital communication related to his plans or intentions.
The search warrant seeks to obtain evidence relevant to violations of federal laws, including but not limited to:
18 U.S.C. § 875(c) - Transmitting threatening communications in interstate commerce
18 U.S.C. § 875(d) - Threatening interstate communications
Any other applicable federal laws related to threats and harassment
I respectfully request that a search warrant be issued authorizing law enforcement officers to enter the residence of Franklin B. Saunders located at 4335 Chesapeake River Way, #302, Fairfax, Virginia 22030, and to seize the listed items of evidence related to the investigation.
I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.
[Your Name] Computer Forensic Examiner Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
Sworn to before me this _____ day of ____________, 20.
Judge’s Signature United States District Court