Motorcyclist Faces Wiretap Charge for Videotaping Off-Duty Maryland Trooper
Following the issuance of a citation, Graber learned the Maryland attorney general's office would be filing wiretapping charges against him. In Maryland, it is a felony to record someone without them knowing.
A motorcyclist who was pulled over by a Maryland State Police officer could serve up to 16 years in prison for using his helmet camera to videotape the trooper.
The incident was brought to a national audience by a Time Magazine editorial that asked the question, "Should Videotaping the Police Really Be a Crime?"
During a traffic stop in March, trooper Joseph Uhler pulled over Anthony Graber, a Maryland Air National Guard staff sergeant who was speeding on Interstate 95 while riding his motorcycle.
Graber used a high-definition camera mounted to his helmet to record video and audio of the trooper pulling him over, drawing a pistol and ordering him off the bike (Watch a 24-second YouTube video of the incident).
Following the issuance of a citation, Graber learned the Maryland attorney general's office would be filing wiretapping charges against him. In Maryland, it is a felony to record someone without them knowing.
However, the incident occurred on a public roadway while the officer was performing a public act, which may unravel the case, according to the magazine editorial.
VIDEO: Watch a news report from the local ABC affiliate that includes an interview wih Graber and footage from a Maryland State Police press conference.
More Patrol
POLICE Product Test: Streamlight Wedge SL
The Streamlight Wedge SL is a high-performance light for inspection or administrative tasks that features USB-C charging and an output up to 500 lumens in a compact package.
Read More →
NLEOMF Officer of the Month Saved Child from Burning Vehicle
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund named Officer Michael Jaycox of the San Jose Police Department (California) as the Officer of the Month for May 2026. Read more about Jaycox’s heroic actions.
Read More →
Garmont Tactical Introduces the Contact Collection for LE
Garmont Tactical has launched its Contact Collection, a new lineup of law-enforcement duty boots featuring 4-inch and 6-inch options, including waterproof models.
Read More →
Folds of Honor Celebrates Graduation Season as 1,613 Military and First Responder Family Scholars Earn Their Degrees
Every Folds of Honor scholar graduating in the Class of 2026 carries a story starting with sacrifice. Folds of Honor ensures it doesn’t end there. Since 2007, Folds of Honor has awarded nearly 73,000 educational scholarships to military and first responder families.
Read More →
Why Tennessee’s New Deadly Force Law Matters Beyond Tennessee
Tennessee’s new deadly force law is more limited than many may realize. Effective July 1, 2026, the law applies to a person who is not engaged in conduct that would constitute a felony or a Class A misdemeanor and who is in a place where the person lawfully resides. But it could have far-reaching influence.
Read More →
When Do You Transport a Wounded Officer by Police Vehicle?
Time-sensitive injuries like penetrating trauma mean a wounded officer needs to reach a trauma center as soon as possible, and in some cases, that means transporting by police vehicle rather than waiting for EMS. What are the factors to consider in making that transport decision?
Read More →
Safariland Solis Rethinks Concealable Duty
What if Level I retention didn’t require a full duty rig? Safariland’s Solis delivers trusted ALS security in a streamlined OWB platform built for administrative and plainclothes professionals who need protection without the bulk.
Read More →
5 Things to Know When Buying Backup Lights for Patrol Use
What is the value of a backup light, and what do you need to consider when selecting one? These smaller lights are invaluable as a secondary or special-purpose light and can be easily carried in a pocket or clipped to MOLLE gear, a key chain, shirt, or a vest.
Read More →
363 Fallen Officers Honored During National Police Week
In case you missed NELOMF’s annual Candlelight Vigil, here are all 363 names of the fallen officers whose names were added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial this year.
Read More →
NYPD Officers Who Responded Quickly During IED Incident Recognized as NLEOMF Officers of the Month
Chief Aaron Edwards and Sgt. Luis Navarro were recognized by NLEOMF as Officers of the Month for their response during an IED incident and their actions that helped prevent harm to the public.
Read More →