EVANSVILLE, Ind. — A local man was arrested this week on multiple charges after allegedly using an Apple AirTag device to track individuals without their consent. Mark Schenk, 50, of Evansville, is facing a series of criminal charges, including unlawful surveillance, drug possession, and stalking, after his actions were discovered by a victim who received an “Unknown AirTag Detected” alert.
The incident began in April when a woman reported to authorities that she had received the alert while leaving Texas Roadhouse, a popular restaurant in the area. The woman explained that she had noticed a woman walking around her vehicle before she received the notification, which indicated a potential tracking device was attached to her car. Concerned about the alert, the woman immediately contacted police.
The following day, the woman reported seeing a man—later identified as Schenk—arrive at her home and remove a black magnetic box from her vehicle. The box was found to contain an Apple AirTag, a small tracking device designed to help users locate lost items. The woman’s quick actions and decision to call 911 again provided police with crucial details, including security camera footage from her home that helped identify Schenk as a suspect.
Further investigation revealed a connection between Schenk and another woman who had a protective order against him. Authorities learned that this woman had also been tracked by Schenk using an Apple AirTag. She had received a similar alert and, in an attempt to thwart Schenk, had placed the device on a different vehicle at the Texas Roadhouse parking lot, where the woman first noticed it.
As police pieced together the evidence, they obtained search warrants and visited Schenk’s residence on Kratzville Road. During the search, officers discovered a firearm, methamphetamine, psychedelic mushrooms, and an Apple AirTag.
At Evansville Police Department Headquarters, Schenk was questioned and reportedly admitted to the allegations. Due to his prior conviction for drug dealing, Schenk faces an additional charge of possessing a firearm as a felon. The unlawful surveillance charges are further elevated to level 6 felonies because of the protective order against Schenk.
Schenk is currently being held in the Vanderburgh County Jail on charges that also include drug possession and stalking violations. His arrest has highlighted concerns over the misuse of technology, such as AirTags, for stalking and harassment purposes.
Authorities are urging the public to be aware of the potential dangers posed by tracking devices and to report any suspicious activity immediately. In light of recent events, experts also recommend that people regularly check their vehicles for hidden devices, particularly if they suspect they may be being followed or monitored.
As the investigation continues, Schenk’s case will likely serve as a cautionary tale about the importance of personal security in the digital age.
