Busts and Cell Phones - This Stumps Me

[Guest062614]

I am stumped by this question.

I know two providers who recently have been arrested - not taking sufficient precaution making an app't over the phone or subsequently in the face to face greeting. In both cases, they were questioned on the spot, they had cell phones (two each) in their possession, and the phones were buzzing during the questioning. Yet the arresting authorities (according to the providers) made no attempt to confiscate or even look at their cell phones. WHY???

Seems to me that the phones would be a gold mine of info about their clients.

Anyone have any insight as to if cell phones are typically seized and if not, why?

[ShysterJon]

This topic has been written about to death in this forum. Search is your friend.

[Dstorm]

It's not illegal to call, or be called from a hookers phone
for LE to pose as the said hooker, with her phone, in order to bust johns is usually not a priority and would require more of a set up, (secure the location, have female UC's play the role of the hooker etc.)
Yes, these stings do occur, but not off a confiscated phone...