South Alabama man behind bars under new state law for allegedly stalking wife with tracking device

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WAFF) – A new state law cracking down on hidden tracking devices has one of its first suspects behind bars.

43-year old Jeremie Spencer was arrested by Dothan Police. Investigators say he was caught on camera placing a tracking device on his ex-wife’s car.

Spencer is charged with first degree Electronic Stalking along with second degree domestic violence.

Alabama House Bill 153 made electronic stalking of any kind illegal including the use of common tracking devices like Apple Airtags.

It was enacted in June of 2023.

Attorney Will League said this law is a way for prosecutors to catch up with the technology offenders are frequently using to find their victims.

“You hear about Airtags and all these other types of GPS tracking devices that could be tiny. They could be slipped into someone’s purse, car, you know all types of ways… this law is designed to keep up with that,” League said.

League said the act of stalking or tracking someone is commonly how domestic violence cases begin, and having a law to prosecute it could stop tragedies in their tracks.

” I have handled domestic cases that have ended up in murder. It is a tragic circumstance and even with the best civil justice system and criminal justice system, a restraining order is not bullet proof. This is another tool to hopefully combat that and hopefully keep people safe during this process of domestic case,” League said.

League says this new law will make it easier for prosecutors to catch stalkers.

As for Spencer, he is currently being held in the Houston County Jail without bond.

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