Expert needed.

[stew5150]

Hi folks, I'm new to the site and I apologize for not having time to figure out who to ask individually so i thought I'd make this topic and go from there. I work for a Law Firm and we represent someone who has been in prison for the last 6 1/2 years due to an over-zealous and mis-informed cop's testimony regarding "jiggle keys". I studied locksmithing for awhile before I started doing investigative work and I need the help of an expert.

I will post a scan of a photo-copy made of the key and we can go from there. Basically the cop said that it was impossible for someone to not know this key was a "jiggle key" from it's appearance and lack of manufacturer markings. On the reverse of the key it has a stamp "ACE" as it is one of theirs. We are at a loss as to how to discredit this lying officer with proof. Any and all help will be appreciated.

[IMG=http://img810.imageshack.us/img810/2077/keyscan.jpg][/IMG]

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[Shyfted]

To me (a newbie when it comes to lock picking) it looks just like a regular key which is quite different from your average jigglers which are found here.

http://www.lockpickshop.com/mm5/graphic ... SJG-10.jpg

[Varjeal]

I'm going to begin this post by saying that I don't believe your story and end it by saying that your "cop" has misspoken and his reasoning is weak at best. The picture you have shown "appears" to be a legitimately duplicated key from any place that duplicates keys. If I as a professional locksmith were to make a "jiggler" I wouldn't be using that blank for that range of vehicles anyways.

[chriswingate]

Those markings on the front "Y157" is the type of blank, which goes with a Chrysler. Ace Hardware had blanks made that they sold at their hardware stores with the Ace marking stamped on the key.
The cuts on the key are symmetrical which would make sense for it being a car key.

What is the issue here? It's accused of being a jiggler key for a vehicle? From the picture it's just a duplicate key that was cut for a car.

[stew5150]

I understand your disbelief, but this is a very true story. And I might add, it's a perfect example of what happens to people all of the time in our justice system. Any officer of the laws' word is taken at face value, while the accused are required to hire an expert to de-bunk that theory for a jury. I have very limited experience in locks, and lock picking and I can see the truth. Unfortunately, your average juror will want to take the officer's word as truth. I also, would think that this could be a cut key for the vehicle, and not a jiggle key as he testified.

As for the blank and using it for that range of vehicles: Could you elaborate on that Varjeal? The vehicle in question was a late 90's ford truck btw.

[Varjeal]

That key won't fit into a late 90's ford truck. Or to be more accurate....it shouldn't. That particular key as mentioned before, is for a Chrysler or Dodge product. Fords would use an 1196FD, H75, or something similar.
Chriswingate is exactly correct. I would be more suspicious if the cuts on both sides of the key were different. They should be identical. The picture isn't perfectly clear, but that appears to be just an average and relatively worn key.

The only thing that "jiggler" (and I don't believe it is one) would do is open the door (assuming the key fit in the lock, which it normally wouldn't) and turn the ignition (again, assuming that it could and would fit in the lock) but not start the vehicle. If that key is the major piece of evidence in the theft of a Ford truck, your prosecution has no case.

[stew5150]

Those markings on the front "Y157" is the type of blank, which goes with a Chrysler. Ace Hardware had blanks made that they sold at their hardware stores with the Ace marking stamped on the key.
The cuts on the key are symmetrical which would make sense for it being a car key.

What is the issue here? It's accused of being a jiggler key for a vehicle? From the picture it's just a duplicate key that was cut for a car.

Thank-you very much for that info. It seems to me that the ignition was just worn or perhaps whomever did steal the vehicle forced another key to work. Is anyone aware of whether this is just a design flaw with Fords? Are the blanks that similar?

[stew5150]

The only thing that "jiggler" (and I don't believe it is one) would do is open the door (assuming the key fit in the lock, which it normally wouldn't) and turn the ignition (again, assuming that it could and would fit in the lock) but not start the vehicle. If that key is the major piece of evidence in the theft of a Ford truck, your prosecution has no case.

Well the prosecution had enough, with the Officer's testimony and his "expertise" in keys to convict the guy in front of a jury. He was sentenced to 11 1/4 years and has been locked up on it for almost 7 to date.

[Varjeal]

Hmm..well..I've a couple of questions now that you have my curiousity going...

1. How was it determined the vehicle was entered?
2. Was the ignition examined carefully and do you have access to pictures or better yet the lock itself?
3. How was it determined this key was used?
4. Was the steering column examined for any other potential bypass' before the assumption that a key was used?

Without the ignition (and assuming this key was used on the door) and the door lock being damaged in some fashion, a screwdriver and hammer would have been just as effective as using that key. (and likely would have been faster)

[chriswingate]

I'm no auto expert, but didn't Ford start using transponder type keys (PATS for Ford) in the mid 90's. So even if the blank fit or they could turn the ignition, it wouldn't start without the correct connection being made between the programmed key and the car computer?

Please correct me if I'm wrong about this, just a thought.

[Varjeal]

Yes, but some of the truck series especially the cheaper ones were slower to get 'em.

[chriswingate]

Ah, ok thanks

[Varjeal]

One of those things where a special feature is introduced/tested in the high end product, then sifts down to all.

[stew5150]

Well, I've owned a 97' Ford truck that the key could be removed while the ignition was on, so I don't think the transponders were in all Fords by then.

@Varjeal: It's a long story and it involves a guy who was off his meds that was loaned a vehicle to pick up some girls in another town to drive back to the party. The vehicle was entered by a popped lock on the passenger side and was running when our client took possession of it. He never had reason to walk around to the passenger side. The only pictures I have of the ignition are with this key partly inserted into it, after the Officers did their investigation, realized the key wasn't the one for the vehicle and put it back to replicate how they found the scene. I am not aware of any other evidence of tampering with the steering column as the Officer testified to his belief that this key was all that was used to start the vehicle. But I do know that the passenger door lock was bypassed and "popped" to coin the words of the officer who testified to the grand Jury, and at trial. Bear in mind that this all happened in 2005, and we are merely his post-conviction relief counsel. He has lost his appeals, because the issues needed to be raised were not. Appeals are funny like that - If the attorney doesn't make a record of something it can't be brought up later. His trial attorney knew nothing of keys and jiggle keys.

[stew5150]

Also, to show why this is an issue with us: The jury acquitted the guy of burglary - but convicted him on Theft of means and Possession of burglary tools. For that "jiggle key".