A detective investigating a recent homicide has obtained a mobile scanner device called a Manta Ray, which allows him to sit in his vehicle and “capture” conversations and data from mobile phones by mimicking a cellular tower. After two days of surveillance on an apartment complex that he believes houses the man who committed the murder, the device grabs pieces of a text conversation between the suspect and his girlfriend. The detective believes the conversation was a vague confession to the crime and decides it is enough to obtain a court order.
A. Was the use of the Manta Ray in this investigation done ethically, and how will this potentially impact the development of this case? Consider supporting your response with relevant case law and precedent.