iPhone Helps Homeowner Catch Burglar in the Act

Prosecutors in DA Charme Allen’s Career Gang Unit obtained a conviction against a burglar caught in the act by a homeowner who used an old iPhone as a security camera. Jason Travis Sewell, 36, was convicted of Aggravated Burglary. Under the terms of the plea agreement, Sewell must serve fifteen years in prison.

In a plea hearing before Judge Bob McGee, Assistant District Attorney Phil Morton explained to the Court that on March 7, 2016, the victim observed a home invasion in progress at her home on Deane Hill Drive by using an old iPhone as a security camera. She could see two individuals in her home, one of whom was wearing a tan coat. Knoxville Police Department Officer Tim Edwards responded to the residence and was walking up the driveway when the garage door opened and a man wearing a tan coat was carrying a large flat screen television. When he saw police, the man tried to run, but he was quickly apprehended by other officers. The man in the tan coat was identified as Sewell.

“New technology has changed the way law enforcement fights crime, but it can help homeowners protect themselves and their property, too,” said DA Charme Allen.”The homeowner in this case was able to protect her home and stop a criminal in the act thanks to a creative use of technology.”

Sewell has eleven prior felony convictions for Aggravated Burglary, Burglary, and Theft. The co-defendant in this case, Gregory Alan Collins, has pled guilty to Aggravated Burglary and is awaiting sentencing on November 3.

If you have any questions, please contact Sean McDermott at 865-215-2515 or Sean.McDermott@knoxcounty.org. For more information about the District Attorney’s Office, visit our website at dag.knoxcountytn.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.