Latest news with #TextNow
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Yahoo
New Hampshire man pleads guilty to stalking 3 women he dated for several years
A New Hampshire man has plead guilty to stalking three women he dated and sending hundreds of harassing messages from anonymous phone numbers and email accounts, the U.S. Attorney said. Jason Subirana, 48, of Dover, pleaded guilty in federal court in Concord to three counts of stalking, Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack said in a statement on Wednesday. U.S. District Court Judge Steven McAuliffe scheduled sentencing for Aug. 27. Subirana faces a sentence of up to 5 years in prison. Subirana stalked three women with whom he was involved romantically between November 2016 through December 2021, McCormack said. He used more than 50 anonymous phone numbers, provided by TextNow, and anonymous email accounts to send over 650 harassing messages to the three victims. The harassment, prosecutors said, appeared to victims to come from a fictitious stalker. 'He attempted to manipulate his victims, catch them in lies, and cause emotional distress,' McCormack said. For example, Subirana sent one victim a text message that read: 'How can you (expletive) to everyone about your birthday? You should be grateful he's put up with all your lies and (expletive) for so long.' 'Stop trying to make him look like a bad guy, he's the best thing you have and lucky he hasn't put you to the curb like the trash bag that you are. Own your (expletive) and stop lying to everyone,' the text said. 'You want more? Be honest to EVERYONE around you. Stop thinking you are smarter than everyone.' In addition to sending harassing communications to the victims, Subirana also sent himself harassing messages from the so-called fictitious stalker using anonymous accounts. For example, Subirana texted himself from an anonymous TextNow number: 'Do you really think you're the only one she's (expletive)? You really should get yourself tested. Put something in the mail for you keep an eye out for it.' McCormack said on Feb. 10, 2021, Subirana texted himself from an anonymous TextNow number: 'How many times do you think she's going to take it this afternoon before coming to give you sloppy seconds?' Subirana also collected compromising information about the victims and then sent the compromising information to himself under the guise that he received it from 'the stalker,' prosecutors said. For example, Subirana gained access to one victim's email account and forwarded himself an email exchange from 2015 where that victim mentioned a potential romance with an acquaintance of hers. Subirana 'orchestrated a series of email forwards through anonymous accounts before making its way back' to that victim. McCormack said this email controversy led to that victim admitting to Subirana a prior romantic relationship with the acquaintance, to which Subirana responded: 'You're only telling me this now because of the email you got. What else are you hiding from me?' and 'What wlse [sic] is out there? Has this all been based on lies???' Subirana also accused innocent people of being his victim's 'stalker,' prosecutors said. For example, Subirana sent numerous harassing messages to a male colleague of another victim. Between April 22, 2018, and August 15, 2018, Subirana sent 52 harassing text messages to the victim's colleague from at least five anonymous TextNow numbers. Subirana also sent the victim's colleague numerous explicit photos of a woman's body that resembled the victim, but was not her. When the victim described this to Subirana in messages, he suggested to the victim that her colleague was her stalker, prosecutors said. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Yahoo
Dover man facing prison time after creating fake stalker to harass women he's dated
A Dover man used anonymous phone numbers and email accounts to create a fictitious stalker to harass three women he was romantically involved with, federal prosecutors said. Jason Subirana, 48, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Concord to three counts of stalking. Judge Steven J. McAuliffe scheduled sentencing for Aug. 27. According to the charging documents and statements made in court, between November 2016 and December 2021, Subirana stalked three women he was in romantic relationships with. Prosecutors allege Subirana used more than 50 anonymous phone numbers, provided by TextNow, and anonymous email accounts, to send more than 650 harassing messages to the three victims from a fictitious stalker, attempting to 'manipulate his victims, catch them in lies, and cause emotional distress.' For example, he sent one victim a text message that read in part: 'Stop trying to make him look like a bad guy, he's the best thing you have and lucky he hasn't put you to the curb like the trash bag that you are. You want more? Be honest to EVERYONE around you. Stop thinking you are smarter than everyone.' Prosecutors say in addition to sending harassing messages to the victims, Subirana also sent himself harassing messages from the fictitious stalker using anonymous accounts. For example, the defendant texted himself from an anonymous TextNow number, 'Do you really think you're the only one she's banging? You really should get yourself tested. Put something in the mail for you keep an eye out for it.' Prosecutors said Subirana also collected 'compromising information' about the victims, which he then sent to himself under the guise he received it from 'the stalker.' For example, Subirana gained access to Victim 2's email account and forwarded himself an email exchange from 2015 where Victim 2 mentioned a potential romance with an acquaintance of hers. The defendant orchestrated a series of email forwards through anonymous accounts before making its way back to Victim 2. This email controversy led to Victim 2 admitting to the defendant a prior romantic relationship with the acquaintance. Subirana distanced himself from 'the stalker' by accusing innocent individuals of being behind the messages. The law provides for a sentence of up to 5 years in prison, with the sentence to be imposed by a federal district court judge at a later date. The FBI led the investigation.
Android Authority
21-05-2025
- Business
- Android Authority
Are free phone plans actually worth using and what's the catch?
Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority While there are plenty of affordable phone service providers, just how low can you go on your phone bill? Believe it or not, it's actually possible to get cellular service for free. You might assume there's some kind of income restriction or major catch — and in most cases, you'd be right. Most free plans require you to qualify for the government's Lifeline assistance program based on income. However, a few providers now offer free service to anyone, regardless of income. In the past, FreedomPop was one of the most well-known free options. I even used it briefly for my daughter's first phone. Unfortunately, they no longer offer truly free plans. Over time, prepaid carriers have become increasingly affordable, but until recently, TextNow was the only real option left for completely free service. That changed earlier this year when Helium Mobile launched its own free plan, adding some much-needed competition. I've been testing both services privately for about a month now, and I've come away with a much clearer picture of whether free phone plans are worth the usual trade-offs. Let's dive into what each provider offers and who should (or shouldn't) consider them. TextNow vs Helium Based on my research, TextNow and Helium Mobile are the only reputable providers currently offering free phone service in the U.S. as of 2025. Here's a quick breakdown of what each one includes: TextNow Talk, Text, and Essential Data: Free unlimited talk and text using T-Mobile's network (after a one-time $4.99 SIM fee). 350MB of high-speed data, then throttled speeds (128Kbps) up to 1GB total — enough for maps, email, rideshares, and basic messaging. Requires a special ad-supported app for calling and texting — your phone's native dialer won't work. Offers hourly, daily, or monthly data add-ons ($0.99/hour, $4.99/day, $39.99/month). Helium Zero Plan: Includes 3GB of data, 300 texts, and 100 minutes each month. Offers 'Cloud Points' as a reward system — earn points through referrals, monthly usage, Wi-Fi profile installs, and more. You can upgrade to the Air Plan for $15/month to get unlimited talk, text, and data. Right out of the gate, Helium wins if free data is your top priority. In contrast, TextNow is a better pick for unlimited calling and texting, though its data offering is barely usable for most tasks. TextNow is clearly designed for light, essential data use (like Google Maps or WhatsApp), while Helium is more about giving you a fully functional backup mobile experience with a limited amount of monthly data. Of course, neither plan offers premium-level perks, so what really matters is how well the service actually works. Here's how they compare in key areas: Network partner : Both use the T-Mobile network, though Helium supplements this with its own hotspot network in select areas. : Both use the T-Mobile network, though Helium supplements this with its own hotspot network in select areas. Reliability and speed: Expect deprioritization and slower speeds during congestion. In my testing, T-Mobile generally gives around 25–50 Mbps where I live, but with both of these services, I typically saw speeds under 10 Mbps, sometimes even under 3 Mbps or less. Typically usable, but limited. Expect deprioritization and slower speeds during congestion. In my testing, T-Mobile generally gives around 25–50 Mbps where I live, but with both of these services, I typically saw speeds under 10 Mbps, sometimes even under 3 Mbps or less. Typically usable, but limited. App experience : Helium lets you use your phone's native dialer and messaging apps. TextNow forces you into its ad-heavy, buggy app — and yes, it is annoying. : Helium lets you use your phone's native dialer and messaging apps. TextNow forces you into its ad-heavy, buggy app — and yes, it is annoying. Extras : Helium's reward system is decent in theory, though you likely won't ever qualify for anything. You can redeem points for gift cards to places like Amazon, Walmart, and Sephora. TextNow doesn't offer anything comparable. : Helium's reward system is decent in theory, though you likely won't ever qualify for anything. You can redeem points for gift cards to places like Amazon, Walmart, and Sephora. TextNow doesn't offer anything comparable. Privacy and security: TextNow's app dependency raises some privacy concerns, and its poor integration with two-factor authentication is a downside. Meanwhile, Helium requires always-on location sharing to use its free plan — which some may find intrusive. Nothing in life is ever really free, so what's the catch? As you'd expect, these companies aren't giving you service out of the goodness of their hearts. They're still making money, just in less obvious ways. TextNow primarily relies on ads. Its app is packed with them, and it functions more like a VoIP line than a traditional mobile service. That helps keep costs down for the company, but it also causes compatibility issues. For example, it doesn't work well with two-factor authentication, which is a major drawback in today's world. With Helium, the revenue model is murkier. The company requires location sharing to qualify for the free plan, but claims it doesn't sell your data. Still, the persistent tracking requirement raises red flags for privacy-conscious users. Whether or not they're selling the data, it's reasonable to assume that some value is being extracted from that constant stream of location info — or they wouldn't offer the service for free. It's also likely that the Zero Plan is a way to build awareness of Helium's hotspot network and premium offerings, so it's not necessarily that Helium is up to anything sneaky here but it's still something to be aware of. Free phone plans can be great, but they are not for everyone Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority Honestly? I was pleasantly surprised by how well both services handled calling and texting. That said, there are definitely quirks — particularly with TextNow, whose app often felt sluggish and bloated with ads. When it came to data, the limitations became more obvious. Neither provider offered great speeds, and during peak congestion, it wasn't unusual for performance to dip below 1 Mbps in crowded areas. Still, getting a full 3GB of data from Helium was a huge plus. By comparison, TextNow's data is more like an emergency reserve than anything you could realistically use day to day. If I had to choose one, Helium Mobile's free plan would be my recommendation in most cases. You get more data, a smoother user experience, and the ability to use your native dialer and messaging apps. However, if you don't use data at all and just want free, unlimited talk and text, TextNow could still be a solid pick. I'm going to be honest: I would not recommend either service for a primary mobile line, unless the following is true: You still have a landline at home . The same applies if you have a VOIP device set up. It's good to have a backup here. . The same applies if you have a VOIP device set up. It's good to have a backup here. The service is intended for a child's first phone . There's no cost here, and it's a good training wheel service to see if your kid is ready for a paid phone plan. . There's no cost here, and it's a good training wheel service to see if your kid is ready for a paid phone plan. You absolutely can't afford to pay anything for service. These free services are fairly reliable and certainly better than nothing. If you're just looking for a secondary line, both services are solid options — especially if you want T-Mobile coverage to complement a different primary network. For example, I pair Helium's T-Mobile-based plan with my main line on Verizon. That said, in most situations, Helium is the clear winner. You probably don't need unlimited calls or texts on a backup line, but having 3GB of usable data can come in handy. Whether it's for occasional hotspot use, temporary phone swaps, or giving a number to people you don't know well, it works. At the end of the day, you're trading a bit of privacy (and some quality-of-life features) for free service. That's not inherently a bad deal — especially if you're already handing over your data to countless other services anyway. If you haven't tried either of these providers yet, I recommend giving them a shot. You've got almost nothing to lose. You can learn more or sign up at the Helium or TextNow websites, respectively.
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Yahoo
Man serving life for brutal killing of Griswold family appeals conviction before CT Supreme Court
An attorney representing a man sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole in the brutal killing of a Griswold couple and their adult son in 2017 has argued that the murder conviction should be overturned on the basis that prosecutors used what she alleges was an illegally-seized cell phone to convict him. The appeal, filed in 2022 by attorneys representing Sergio Correa, was argued Wednesday before the Connecticut Supreme Court during a hearing at Yale Law School. Jennifer Smith, assistant public defender with the Office of the Chief Public Defender Legal Services Unit, argued that investigators seized Correa's cell phone 'without probable cause and without exigency' when he was not a suspect in the killing of Kenneth, Janet and Matthew Lindquist. She also argued that a judge should have granted a motion to suppress evidence found on the phone prior to Correa's trial in New London Superior Court. Correa was found guilty of murder with special circumstances, home invasion, arson and robbery charges and was sentenced in May 2022 to life in prison without the possibility of parole plus 105 years behind bars. Sergio Correa sentenced to life without parole, sister receives 40 years in the deaths of Lindquist family In December 2017, Correa and his sister, Ruth Correa, traveled from Hartford to Griswold to carry out a plan to trade drugs and cash to 21-year-old Matthew Lindquist in exchange for his help stealing guns from his parents, court records show. He was experiencing withdrawals from heroin at the time and was pleading with Correa for drugs. Once in Griswold, Correa and his sister chased the 21-year-old into the woods and attacked him with a machete, leaving him to die, according to court records. They then went to his parents' home where Correa struck Kenneth Lindquist's head with a baseball bat, court records show. Correa then sexually taunted, beat and strangled Janet Lindquist before he and his sister stole the family's Christmas presents and Matthew's car, setting the house on fire before they left, according to court records. Authorities responding to the home found the dead couple inside and could not immediately locate their son, according to Correa's appeal. Believing the son could be a suspect, police obtained location data from his cell phone and found that it was in the area of an apartment complex on Donald Street in Hartford, court records show. Data obtained by investigators also showed that the phone had been used to contact a phone number associated with Correa through the TextNow messaging app, according court records. Finding that Correa had a criminal record, including a conviction for arson, and lived on Donald Street, police interviewed him on Dec. 28, 2017, the appeal states. When investigators told Correa they believed Matthew Lindquist had killed his parents and that police knew Correa was familiar with the son, Correa asked for a lawyer and grabbed his cell phone from a table. Smith argued that police, at the time, had no reason to believe there was evidence related to the crime on Correa's phone. The phone was seized and was later examined after police obtained a search warrant for the device. Correa's defense team unsuccessfully tried to have evidence on the phone suppressed prior to his trial. Smith said the 'illegally obtained evidence' from the phone was later used in Correa's trial, making up nearly 40 exhibits. She said the prosecution relied heavily on evidence from the phone to help repair damage done to the credibility of two of the prosecution's 'self-interested' witnesses. She also argued that a judge erred when he denied the defense team's motion to suppress. Ronald Weller, senior assistant attorney representing the prosecution, argued that the evidence found on the phone fell under the 'harmless error' doctrine and did not affect the verdict returned by a jury. Weller said prosecutors also had overwhelming amount of evidence, including that Christmas presents and two rifles from the Lindquist home were found in Correa's car. He said Correa had also reportedly confessed to his girlfriend that he killed the couple. During her arguments, Smith also contended that Ruth Correa's testimony against her brother was self-serving, leading to her receiving a 40-year sentence that will allow for her release from prison someday. According to Smith, Sergio Correa's defense team believes Ruth Correa and another man committed the crimes. Smith said the man's DNA and fingerprints were found in multiple areas of the crime scene. Ruth Correa pleaded guilty to three counts of murder and was sentenced in May 2022. She remains in custody. According to the appeal, Sergio Correa is seeking for his conviction to be overturned and a new trial. The Connecticut Supreme Court is expected to make a ruling in the coming months.
