Story perspectives

HSI Agent Allegedly Misused Summonses, Withholds Fort Phone Data

7/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

HSI agent Timothy Gerber allegedly used customs summonses to obtain information about Fort.
Prosecutors would not confirm continued use of the summonses and described cell-phone data from Fort’s phone without turning the actual data over to defense counsel.
Independent journalist Mary Wheeler flagged a letter in which DOJ lawyer Ned Hedley said the government would not respond in writing because the information could be used in court or against them.

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Story summary

HSI agent Timothy Gerber allegedly used customs summonses to obtain information about Fort.
Prosecutors would not confirm continued use of the summonses and described cell-phone data from Fort’s phone without turning the actual data over to defense counsel.
Independent journalist Mary Wheeler flagged a letter in which DOJ lawyer Ned Hedley said the government would not respond in writing because the information could be used in court or against them.