How Police Used Google Cookies to Track Down a Bomb Threat Suspect
While “consenting to cookies” isn’t as tasty as it sounds, it’s a common part of internet life. Cookies allow websites to recognize devices and gather information to customize user experiences, but they can also help police catch criminals.
A recent example: investigators used Google cookies to identify a suspect who allegedly called in a bomb threat to the Hamilton County Courthouse in Cincinnati, Ohio. The August 2025 call turned out to be a hoax, but after obtaining search warrants, police traced digital information to a suspect.
According to search warrants reviewed by Forbes, investigators linked the call to an anonymous Gmail account. Google provided law enforcement with cookie data, revealing that one iPhone had accessed both the anonymous account and another Gmail account. That led police to Don’tavius Conley, who was arrested and charged (he pleaded not guilty).
Important: Law enforcement had to obtain warrants to access private information. The U.S. Supreme Court generally requires warrants before searching digital devices. Agreeing to cookies doesn’t mean companies must hand over your data to police without legal process.
This case highlights how our devices may be collecting more data than we realize. If privacy concerns you, understand how information is gathered when you click “Accept All” – even in Chrome’s Incognito mode. It’s a reminder that digital privacy isn’t guaranteed.
